Properties of Boron - Symbol: B
- Atomic Number 5
- Atomic Weight: 10.811
The element boron does not occur by itself in nature but is usually found combined with oxygen, sodium, and calcium. Traces of boron are present in rocks, soil and water but large deposits of borate minerals are rare. The oldest and most plentiful form of boron known to man is the mineral salt tincal (sodium tetraborate decahydrate, or simply, borax). Other borate minerals that occur naturally and are mined commercially include colemanite (calcium borate), hydroboracite (calcium-magnesium borate), kernite (sodium borate), and ulexite (sodium-calcium borate). Uses Boron has the following uses: - amorphous boron is used in pyrotechnic flares (distinctive green colour), and rockets (as an igniter)
- boric, or boracic, acid, is used as a mild antiseptic
- borax, Na2B4O7.10H2O, is a cleansing flux in welding
- borax, Na2B4O7.10H2O is a water softener in washing powders
- boron compounds are used in production of enamels for covering steel of refrigerators, washing machines, etc.
- boron compounds are extensively used in the manufacture of enamels and borosilicate glasses
- boron compounds show promise in treating arthritis
- 10B is used as a control for nuclear reactors, as a shield for nuclear radiation, and in instruments used for detecting neutrons
- boron nitride is as hard as diamond. It behaves like an electrical insulator, but conducts heat like a metal. It also has lubricating properties similar to graphite
- the hydrides are sometimes used as rocket fuels
- boron filaments, a high-strength, lightweight material, are used for advanced aerospace structures, .
- lightweight compounds used for aerospace structures
- boron filaments used in fibre optics research
- Boric Acid is also used in North America for the control of cockroaches, silverfish, ants, fleas, and other insects.
Mining Areas Principal mining areas include: |
