Borax
| Colour | White, Clear, Gray |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 2–2.5 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to earthy |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O |
| Specific gravity | 1.73 g/cm 3 (decahydrate, solid) |
What is Borax?
Borax is a salt normally encountered as a hydrated borate of sodium, with the chemical formula Na2H20B4O17. Borax mineral is a crystalline borate mineral that occurs in only a few places worldwide in quantities that enable it to be mined economically.
How to identify Borax
- Lustre: Vitreous to earthy.
- Hardness: Mohs 2–2.5 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Monoclinic crystal system.
Borax in different forms
Stones often confused with Borax
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Borax?
Borax is Mohs 2–2.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Borax?
Borax is typically white, clear, gray.