Used in welding fluxes to improve arc stability and reduce spatter in electrode coatings. Acts as a source of fluoride ions in metallurgical processes for refining aluminum and magnesium alloys. Employed in the production of specialized glasses and ceramics due to its low refractive index and transparency to infrared and ultraviolet light. Utilized in scintillation detectors for radiation measurement, especially in high-energy physics and medical imaging, because of its fast response time and good radiation resistance. Also serves as a catalyst in organic synthesis and in the manufacture of other barium compounds.