The article focuses on barite that is the weighting agent of choice in oil and natural-gas drilling fluids used to suppress high formation pressures and to prevent blowouts. Topics include considered in the United States this application accounts for several percent of barite sales as barite also is used in radiation-shielding concrete, as a contrast medium in medical X-rays, and as filler, extender or weighting agent in products such as paints, plastics and rubber.