Barium belongs to group IIA of the periodic table. It is a soft, toxic, silvery-white metal that is found in a combined state alone. Barium is extracted from minerals, such as barite and witherite. It can also be produced through electrolysis of molten barium chloride. Pure Barium can be obtained by electrolysis of fused barium salts or reduction of barium oxide in the presence of Aluminum.

Barium reacts easily with water and alcohol. When exposed to air, Barium quickly gets oxidized. As a result, it is stored under petroleum-based fluids that are Oxygen-free.

Barium is used in spark plugs, vacuum tubes, fireworks, and fluorescent lamps. Few common compounds and their uses are:

• Barium sulfate: In paint, glass making, and in X-ray diagnostic work

• Barite: As a weighing agent in the production of rubber, and in oil well drilling fluids

• Barium peroxide: As a catalyst in aluminothermic reactions that are performed to weld railway tracks

• Barium oxide: As a drying agent because it absorbs carbon dioxide and water

• Barium chloride: To soften water

• Barium carbonate: As a pottery glaze and as a rat poison

Element Properties

Periodic Table