Barium is located on the sixth period and the second group in the periodic table of elements. Its appearance is silvery white/gold with a melting point of 729 degrees Celsius. Barium is a reactive member of the alkaline earth metals rapidly forming oxides in air. It can form up to 2 bonds and has many compounds. It causes a flame to turn green. It was first identified in 1790 by Thomas Charles Hope. It was later isolated in 1808 by Humphry Davy via electrolysis. It is a very heavy and toxic metal. 

Barium Sulfate (BaSO4) is used in Barium meals to identify diseases associated with the digestive system. It is also used in drilling fluids as a weighing agent. Barium nitrate (Ba(NO₃)₂) is used in green fireworks.