Borax Composition, Crystallization & Structure
Composition. Hidrous sodium borate, Na2B4O7.10H2O = Boron trioxide 36.6, soda 16.2, water 47.2.
Crystallization. Monoclinic. Prismatic crystals, sometimes quite large.
Structure. In crystals and as massive cellular material or encrustations.
Physical Properties. Perfect cleavage parallel to orthopinacoid. H. =2-2.5. G. = 1.75. Vitreous luster. Colorless or white. Translucent to opaque. Sweetish-alkaline taste.
Test. Easily fusible (1-1.5) with much swelling and gives strong yellow flame (sodium). Readily soluble in water. Turmeric paper, moistened with a dilute hydrochloric acid solution of the mineral, turns reddish brown when dried at 100% C. Much water in C. T.
Occurrence. Formed as a deposit from the evaporation of salt lakes, and as an efflorescence on the surface of the ground in arid regions. The deposits in Tibet have furnished large amounts of borax, which has been exported to Europe in the crude state, under the name of tincal. Found in quantity in the United States in the desert region of southeastern California, in Death Valley, Inyo County and in San Bernardino County. Occurs also in the adjacent parts of Nevada. Borax is associated with the other minerals deposited in similar manner, such as halite, gypsum, colemanite, and various rare borates.
Name. Borax comes from an Arabic name for the substance.
Use. Borax is used for washing and cleansing; as an antiseptic, preservative, etc., in medicine; as a solvent for metallic oxides in soldering and welding; and laboratory operations.
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