API RP 13K

Barite is used to increase the density of oil well drilling fluids. It is a mined product that can contain significant quantities of minerals other than barium sulfate, which is its main component.

It is the objective of this publication to provide a comprehensive, detailed description of the chemical analytical procedures for quantitatively determining the mineral and chemical constituents of barite. These procedures are quite elaborate and will normally be carried out in a well equipped laboratory.