Boron - Information

Atomic Number: 5

Atomic Weight: 10.811(7)

Electronic Configuration: [He]2s²2p¹

Appearance - Boron is a non-metallic grey powder at 298K

Origin - The name is derived from the Arabic 'buraq', borax, its principal ore.

History - Discovered : by Sir Humphry Davy in London and J.L. Gay-Lussac and L.J. Thenard in Paris, France in 1808.

Sources - Boron is not found free in nature but orthoboric acid is present in some volcanic spring waters and as borates in boron and colemantie. Other sources of the element are rasorite and tincal. Both of these ores are found in the Mojave Desert. Extensive Boron deposits are also known to exist in Turkey.

Uses - Boron compounds are important in many industries, such as glass and detergent manufacture and agriculture.

• Pyrex glass is tough and heat resistant because of the boric acid used to make it.
• Amorphous boron is used in pyrotechnic flares giving a green colour.
• Boron-10 is used as a control in nuclear reactions. Boron nitride can be used to make a material as hard as diamond.
• The nitride behaves like an electrical insulator but conducts heat like a metal.
• It is also an essential mineral for plants.

Handling and Costs - Boron is not considered to be toxic. Its about $5/g at 99% purity.