Element 56 · Alkaline Earth Metal
Barium
Barium drilling muds keep oil wells under control — and barium sulphate makes you visible to X-rays.
Element Facts
SYMBOL
Ba
ATOMIC NO.
56
ATOMIC WEIGHT
137.33
CATEGORY
Alkaline Earth Metal
PERIOD
Period 6
GROUP
Group 2
Historical Uses
Barium compounds were known from the 17th century. Humphry Davy first isolated the metal in 1808 by electrolysis of baryta (barium oxide). Named from the Greek “barys” meaning heavy, due to the high density of barium sulphate (“heavy spar”). In the 19th century, barium carbonate was used as rat poison. Green barium fireworks date from the same era. Vacuum tube manufacturers used barium as a “getter” to remove residual oxygen and improve vacuum quality.
Overview
Barium is element 56, a soft silvery alkaline earth metal. Named from Greek "barys" (heavy) reflecting the high density of barium minerals.
Current Uses
Barium sulphate (barite) drilling fluid weighting in oil and gas drilling — by far the largest single barium use. Barium contrast agents for medical X-ray imaging (barium meal). Specialty glass and ceramics.
Not Commercially Viable for Scrap
Why QuickStop Metals doesn’t buy Barium:
Barium compounds are toxic except for the very insoluble barium sulphate. Pure barium metal is reactive. Industrial use is dominated by drilling and chemical applications, not consumer products. No scrap market.
Price Context
Barium carbonate trades at approximately £200–400/tonne. Barium sulphate (barytes) trades at £80–200/tonne as an industrial mineral. Not a scrap metal and not traded at scrap yards.