The reaction between equimolar silica and barium carbonate powders in oxygen, air or carbon dioxide was studied by means of TG and DTA. The particle size of the silica showed appreciable effects on the reactivity of the silica, on the activation energy of the reaction, and on the formation of an intermediate silicate, Ba2SiO4. The formation of Ba2SiO4 is depressed by a decrease in the silica particle size or by an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the ambient atmosphere.