QUICK FACTS
Color
BARIUM IS SILVERY-WHITE IN ITS PURE FORM.
HOVER OVER THE IMAGE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS TO BARIUM'S COLOR WHEN EXPOSED TO AIR.
Luster
BARIUM HAS A SHINY, METALLIC LUSTER WHEN FRESHLY CUT. WHEN OXIDIZED, IT BECOMES DULL AND TARNISHED.
Ductility
BARIUM IS DUCTILE — IT CAN BE STRETCHED INTO THIN WIRES WITHOUT BREAKING.
Malleability
BARIUM IS ALSO MALLEABLE — IT CAN BE EASILY PRESSED INTO THIN SHEETS.
Electrical
Conductivity
BARIUM IS A GOOD CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY, WITH A CONDUCTIVITY VALUE OF
Melting Point
1,341°F
Boiling Point
3,347°F
Tendency to be oxidized
BARIUM IS EXTREMELY REACTIVE DUE TO ITS LOW IONIZATION ENERGY — IT OXIDIZES
IMMEDIATELY ON CONTACT WITH AIR, TAKING ON A YELLOWISH-WHITE HUE.
BARIUM FORMS IONIC BONDS WITH MOST NONMETALS.
Density
BARIUM HAS A DENSITY OF
.Atomic Structure
PURE BARIUM HAS A BODY-CENTERED CUBIC CRYSTAL STRUCTURE, MEANING THAT ATOMS ARE ARRANGED IN A REPEATING LATTICE. THIS ARRANGEMENT EXISTS DUE TO TIGHT METALLIC BONDS.
HISTORY & USAGE
Discovery
The German chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele first identified barium as a new element in 1774 by studying the mineral barite, which is composed mostly of barium sulfate. Sir Humphrey Davy first isolated barium in 1808 using electrolysis.
Use case:
Modified barium swallow
A modified barium swallow (MBS) is a type of X-ray imaging test that doctors and speech-langauge pathologists use to test swallowing ability. An MBS is used to diagnose swallowing problems and to track rehabilitation of patients after a stroke.
During the test, the patient ingests a variety of liquids and foods mixed with barium sulfate. As the substance passes through the esophagus, it is picked up by the X-ray scanner due to its radiodensity, and doctors are able to determine whether the patient is able to swallow normally (HealthcareHeroesTV, 2010).
My mom, a speech language pathologist, has used this test to help stroke patients regain their ability to eat and drink safely.
Use case:
Baryta glass
Baryta glass is standard silica glass with barium oxide added. Its high refraction index makes it great for use in high-precision lenses in cameras, telescopes, and high-prescription glasses. It is also scratch-resistant and has good mechanical strength (What is baryta glass). However, the production process can be dangerous, because pure barium is a soluble toxin that can easily leak into other fluids. Barium poisining in water due to glass production is not unheard of.
SOCIETAL ISSUE:
BARIUM CHLORIDE IN WATER PURIFICATION
Barium chloride is used for purifying water by removing harmful sulfate and phosphate ions. This is an essential process for both industrial and drinking water.
Since barium is highly reactive, it readily forms an insoluble precipitate with negative ions, which can be easily filtered out. This process benefits both public health and the environment by reducing the amount of toxic substances in the water, preventing damage to plumbing and aquatic life. Economically, it supports industries that rely on clean water, like food production and manufacturing. However, there are risks associated with the use of barium — soluble barium compounds can be toxic and can lead to water poisoning if not handled properly, which poses health risks to human factory workers and the environment alike (Barium chloride).
References
Barium chloride [Fact sheet]. (n.d.). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Barium-chloride
HealthcareHeroesTV. (2010, April 28). Swallow study [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDGg3djm1Es
What is baryta glass? (n.d.). Lens.com. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.lens.com/glossary/what-is-baryta-glass/