Barium sulfate is a white crystalline solid that has various applications in the industrial sector. One significant use of this compound can be seen in the manufacturing of paints and coatings as a pigment extender or filler due to its excellent opacity properties. Additionally, it serves as a component for producing oil well drilling fluids to increase weight density for stabilizing boreholes during drilling operations. Barium sulfate also plays a role in diagnostic medical imaging procedures like X-rays or CT scans when administered orally or rectally as contrast agents to visualize certain areas inside the body where radiopaque substances are needed.