Barium carbonate that is used in the heavy clay industry to reduce problems caused by soluble salts, such as scumming and efflorescence is produced from various minerals.

Barytes, barium sulphate is the most common mineral and is converted to barium carbonate before use. Witherite is a naturally occurring barium carbonate, which is mined in England and California, however Barytes is most commonly used.

The reactivity of barium carbonate is important when used to react with soluble salts to reduce scumming and efflorescence.

This test is mostly used has a vendor assessment type of test to ensure the purity and overall quality of the barium carbonate.