Borax
ID: 69
Borax
Chemical Formula
Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O
Hardness (Mohs)
2 - 2.5
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous to earthy
Diaphaneity
Translucent
Color
White, grayish, yellowish, bluish, greenish
Crystal Habit / Mode of Occurrence
Typically prismatic crystals, often short and stout. Can also be massive, granular, or as crusts. Common crystal forms include prisms combined with pinacoids.
Fun Facts
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral and an important boron compound. It has many household and industrial uses, from laundry detergent to glass manufacturing. When you heat borax, it loses its water of crystallization and puffs up into a white, porous mass.