This element is so reactive that it only occurs in combination with other elements, chiefly sulfate and carbonate. It is, however, the 14th most common element. The English scientist, Sir Humphry Davy, isolated the element in 1808. There are few practical uses for barium metal, although it is sometimes used to coat electrical conductors in electronic apparatus and in automobile ignition systems. Barium nitrate is used in fireworks and barium carbonate is used in rat poisons.
Barium sulfate is used as a filler for rubber products, in paint and in linoleum.
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