Baryte (BaSO4) is the most common and most consumed weight additive for drilling fluids. It is used as a weighing agent in drilling fluids to suppress high pressure and drilling bursts. An additional benefit is that magnetic tracking does not hinder magnetic measurements. It remains the primary source of ore product for many years to adjust the density of mud as the basic drilling grade "weighing material". Barite Mineral increases the hydrostatic response of the drilling mud and ensures that it is in a balancing position for the high-pressure formations encountered during drilling. The softness of the Barite Powder also allows it to act as a surface and prevent damage to the drill bit during drilling. The American Petroleum Institute (API) has established specifications for use in drilling.