Although barite contains the heavy metal barium, it is considered nontoxic since the mineral is very insoluble. The substance is commonly utilized for industrial purposes and is sometimes referred to as barytes commercially. The mineral is, for instance, used as an aggregate in cement, as a white pigment for paints, and as a filler material in items such as paper and cloth. It is also utilized in the processing of barium compounds and in oil and gas well drilling activities.