This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering. Objective Barite, as a dominant mineral resource in China, faces challenges such as low utilization efficiency. To ensure the security of China's barite resources, it is essential to further explore and develop barite reserves. This effort is of significant importance for supporting the development of the petroleum exploration industry and broadening its application fields. Methods This paper summarizes the metallogenic epochs, characteristics, genetic types, and material sources of barite deposits. Meanwhile, it systematically reviews the distribution, resource status, and applications of barite in China. This work provides a reference for future mining and application of barium sulfate in China. Results The genetic types of barite deposits in China can be classified into sedimentary, volcanic-sedimentary, hydrothermal, stratified hydrothermal, and weathering residual-slope accumulation types. Based on the sources of metallogenic fluids, barite can be divided into two end–members: submarine hydrothermal barite and biogenic barite. Globally, the proven reserves of barite are approximately 740 million tons. In China, barite is produced in 26 provinces, including Guizhou, Guangxi, Hunan, and Fujian. As one of China's critical minerals, it ranks as the world's second–largest producer, characterized by high–grade deposits and significant export volumes. Barite is widely used in various fields such as the oil and gas industry, advanced materials, medical treatment, military, and environmental protection sectors. Conclusions Barite deposits in China primarily formed during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras，with key regions including the Jiangnan, Qinling, and Guizhou–Guangxi areas, dominated by sedimentary–type deposits. The sources of barite metallogenic fluids for barite are diverse. Geochemical signatures indicate that the metallogenic materials originate from submarine hydrothermal fluids, while biomarker compounds and heavier sulfur isotopes indicate a biogenic origin. As one of the crucial advanced materials, barite requires a focus on enhancing its deep processing capabilities, developing its strategic emerging industries, and expanding its application fields within the framework of future intensive, efficient, and green industrial development mechanisms. The future prospecting potential for barite in China should focus on the following aspects to discover more abundant barite resources: Firstly, emphasis should be placed on exploring super–large and large barite deposits in the southern margin of the Yangtze Platform. Secondly, the exploration of low–grade barite deposits and associated barite deposits, similar to those in the Gansu–Qinghai–Ningxia barite metallogenic region, should not be overlooked. Finally, continuous exploration and development in regions such as North China and Xinjiang.