Discovered in: 1808

Discovered by: Sir Humphry Davy of England

Description: Named from the Greek word meaning "heavy", barium is a soft, silvery-white metal. It is an active metal, reacting with air, water, acids and bases. Because it is insoluble in the body, barium sulfate is used as an x-ray tracer for the stomach and intestines. Barium is also used in drilling fluids for oil exploration, as well as in paints, fireworks (where it produces a green color), glass and rubber making. It is also used in water softeners, desiccants and rodent poisons.

Biological Rating: No known benefits for life processes in plants and animals. Biological Benefits: Barium has no known biological use, although it acts to stimulate the metabolism.

Percentage Amount in the Human Body: 0.00003 %

Obtained from: Barium is obtained from the minerals barite (barium sulfate) and witherite (barium carbonate). It is mined in China, India and the USA.