Barite

Barite gets its name from the Greek word barys, which means "heavy" due to the high specific gravity of the mineral. It can be yellow, blue, or brown. The barite found in South Dakota is golden. The barite crystals are generally well formed in prismatic or tabular. Cockscomb and desert roses are common barite specimens. Barite can also come in a blue variety and may resemble aquamarine.

Physical Properties: colorless, white, light blue, yellow, grey, brown. Streak: White. Luster: Vitreous, Pearly. Cleavage: Perfect cleavage parallel to base and prism faces. Diaphaneity: Transparent to opaque. Mohs Hardness: 3-3.5. Specific Gravity: 4.3-5. Diagnostic Properties: white color, high specific gravity, characteristic cleavage and crystals. Crystal System: Orthorhombic. Tenacity: Brittle. Fracture: Irregular/Uneven. Density: 4.5g/cm3