Witherite

Witherite

Witherite is a mineral that belongs to the carbonate group. It is a rare mineral that is primarily composed of barium carbonate (BaCO3). The mineral was first discovered in 1784 by William Withering, an English chemist and mineralogist, after whom it was named.

Properties

Witherite is typically found in the form of white or colorless crystals. It has a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4, which means it is relatively soft compared to other minerals. The mineral has a specific gravity of around 4.3, making it quite heavy.

Occurrence

Witherite is a relatively rare mineral and is found in a few locations around the world. It is often associated with other minerals such as calcite, fluorite, and barite. Some notable deposits of witherite can be found in England, Germany, the United States, and China.

Uses

Witherite has limited commercial uses due to its rarity. However, it is sometimes used as a source of barium, which has various industrial applications. Barium compounds derived from witherite are used in the production of ceramics, glass, and various chemicals. Additionally, witherite has some minor uses in the field of medicine and as a gemstone for collectors.

Health and Safety

It is important to handle witherite with caution due to its barium content. Barium compounds can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Therefore, proper safety precautions should be taken when working with witherite or any other barium-containing minerals.

See Also

• Barium carbonate
• Carbonate minerals
• Mineralogy