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barium sulfate

chemical compound

Quick Summary

Barium sulfate is a crystalline, insoluble compound with the chemical formula BaSO4. It is known for its density, a characteristic shared with the element barium itself, derived from the Greek word for "heavy".12

Barium sulfate has several practical applications:
* Medical Imaging: It is used as a substance opaque to X-rays, aiding in medical photography of the digestive tract.1
* Industrial Uses: It serves as a pigment and extender, and as a filler in fluids used for gas and oil drilling. It is also used as a filler in paper and rubber.12
* Pigments: In paints, it is known as blanc fixe.2

While soluble barium compounds are toxic, barium sulfate's insolubility makes it safe for medical use.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. barium sulfate
  2. barium

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