Barium sulphate, or BaSO4, is insoluble in water. It is a white crystalline solid. Barium sulphate is an odorless organic compound that is insoluble in most acids and bases and only soluble in hot, concentrated sulfuric acid. Barium sulphate is not considered toxic.
Barium sulphate is an ionic compound with a low melting point. It is inert and has high density. It is obtained commercially from its ore, barite. Barium sulphate is a salt and is used in the production of paint, resin, rubber and plastic. When it burns, it produces a green flame. For this reason, it is used in firecrackers to produce a glowing effect.