Boron (5)
- Sources of boron are the minerals COLEMANITE, ROSARITE, KERNITE, ULEXITE and TINCAL. Together these constitutes 90% of mined boron-containing ore.
- Boron compounds is as additives for glass fibers in boron-containing fiberglass used for insulation or as structural materials.
- Use also to make boron polymers and ceramics, that play specialized roles as high-strength lightweight structural and refractory materials.
- Borosilicate glass glassware is used for its greater strength and breakage resistance than ordinary soda lime glass.
- Used as fertilizer, insecticide and dopant for semiconductors.
- Has two naturally occurring and stable isotopes, B-11 (80.1%) and B-10 (19.9%).
- Also serve a special role in the radiation shield.
- About a hundred “Borate Minerals” are known.