Barium sulfate, also known as barytes, is a white crystalline powder that is commonly used in a wide variety of applications across various industries. Some of the common applications of barium sulfate in daily life are as follows:

1. Radiography: Barium sulfate is used as a contrast agent for X-rays or other types of medical imaging. It is used in medical imaging studies that diagnose gastrointestinal conditions such as stomach ulcers, colon cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.

2. Paints and coatings: Barium sulfate is used as a pigment extender in various types of paints and coatings. It improves the quality of paints and coatings by enhancing its brightness, opacity, and durability.

3. Paper production: Barium sulfate is used as a filler material during the production of paper. It increases the density of paper resulting in a smoother and more uniform surface.

4. Inks: Barium sulfate is used in the production of various types of inks because of its high density and opacity. It is used in inks for printing on surfaces such as paper, plastic, and fabric.

5. Glassmaking: Barium sulfate is used in the production of specialized glass products, such as television and computer screens, optical glass, and ceramic glazes.

6. Oil and gas drilling: Barium sulfate is used as a weighting agent in the drilling mud used for oil and gas drilling. It is used to increase the density of drilling mud, which helps to keep wellbore stability.

7. Rubber production: Barium sulfate is used as a filler in rubber production. It increases the volume of rubber, which enhances its elasticity, durability, and toughness.

8. Plastics: Barium sulfate is used as a filler in various types of plastics. It increases the density of plastic, which makes it more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

9. Fire retardants: Barium sulfate is used as a fire retardant in various types of materials such as thermoplastics, thermoset, and rubber. It helps to slow down the burning process, which helps to minimize the fire hazards.

10. Ceramic production: Barium sulfate is used as a glazing agent in ceramics production. It gives ceramics a glossy appearance and makes them more resistant to wear and tear.

In conclusion, barium sulfate has a diverse range of applications in various industries and plays an important role in daily life. Its unique properties, such as high density, opacity, and durability, make it an essential component in many products and processes.