Barium Oxide: Witherite Burned with Charcoal

Witherite is native barium carbonate. Heated very strongly, at 1000 °C and over, with charcoal, it gives off carbon dioxide and leaves barium oxide, a white powder that draws water from the air. It is the first step to barium peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Barium compounds are poisonous if swallowed: wear a mask and gloves. The picture: barium oxide in a dish.