Barium Carbonate

Barium carbonate, commonly known as Viterite in Europe, is a white, granular, toxic chemical compound. It is insoluble in water but soluble in most acids except sulfuric acid. Barium carbonate reacts with acids such as HCl to form soluble barium salts.

• Barium carbonate is mainly used in the manufacture of optical glass, funnels, barium magnetic materials, other barium salts, ceramics, enamels, paints, and welding rod coatings.
• It is also used in fireworks, flame preparation, ceramic coatings, and optical glass auxiliary materials.
• Barium carbonate is mainly used in the manufacture of optical glass, CRT glass, barium magnetic materials, and capacitors. It is also used for carburizing carbon and metal surface treatments. It is a raw material for producing other barium salts, ceramics, enamels, pigments, paints, rubber, and electrodes. It is also used as a rodenticide, purifying agent, and oxidation catalyst.
• It functions as a flux, matting agent, and crystallizing agent.
• It combines with some coloring oxides to produce unique colors.
• Its use is controversial because some claim it can leach from glazes into food and beverages.
• In the brick, tile, earthenware, and ceramic industry, barium carbonate is added to clays to precipitate soluble salts (calcium sulfate and magnesium sulfate) that cause efflorescence.