| Compound Description | Barium is a silvery-white metal which exists in nature only in ores containing mixtures of elements. It combines with other chemicals such as sulfur or carbon and oxygen to form barium compounds. Barium compounds are used by the oil and gas industries to make drilling muds. Drilling muds make it easier to drill through rock by keeping the drill bit lubricated. They are also used to make paint, bricks, ceramics, glass, and rubber. Barium sulfate is sometimes used by doctors to perform medical tests and to take x-rays of the gastrointestinal tract.Barium appears as a silver to white metallic solid. Contact may cause burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make other chemicals.Barium is an elemental barium.Barium is under investigation for the diagnostic of Known or Suspected Abdominal Disease.Barium is a naturally occurring alkaline metalloid element with atomic symbol Ba, atomic number 56, and atomic weight 137 that is only found in combination with other elements, typically barite and witherite , or chemicals. Barium is used in many industrial processes, as well as in diagnostic testing, fireworks, and pesticides. It is characterized as a silvery white or yellow to white metallic solid that is odorless. Exposure occurs by inhalation, ingestion, or contact.barium is a mineral.An element of the alkaline earth group of metals. It has an atomic symbol Ba, atomic number 56, and atomic weight 138. All of its acid-soluble salts are poisonous. |
