barytes

[buh-rahy-teez]

noun

Mineralogy.

1. barite.

barytes

/ bəˈraɪtiːz /

noun

1. Also called: barite.  heavy spar. a colourless or white mineral consisting of barium sulphate in orthorhombic crystalline form, occurring in sedimentary rocks and with sulphide ores: a source of barium. Formula: BaSO 4

Word History and Origins

Origin of barytes¹

First recorded in 1780–90; baryta

Word History and Origins

Origin of barytes¹

C18: from Greek barus heavy + -itēs _-ite ¹