Appearance
The element is a grey powder, but is not found free in nature.

Source
Boron occurs as Orthoboric acid in certain volcanic spring waters, and as borates in the minerals Borax and Colemanite. The most important source of Boron is Rasorite, which is found in the Mojave Desert, California. Large Borax deposits are found in Turkey.

High purity Boron is produced by the vapour phase reduction of Boron trichloride or tribromide with Hydrogen on electrically heated filaments. The impure, or amorphous, Boron can be prepared by heating the trioxide with Magnesium powder.

Uses
Amorphous Boron is used in pyrotechnic flares to provide a distinctive green colour, and in rockets as an igniter. The most important compounds of Boron are Boric, or Boracic acid, widely used as a mild antiseptic, and Borax which serves as a cleansing flux in welding and as a water softener in washing powders. Boron compounds are also widely used in the manufacture of Borosilicate glasses. Other Boron compounds show promise in treating arthritis. The isotope ¹⁰B is used as a control for nuclear reactors, as a shield for nuclear radiation, and in neutron detectors. Boron filaments, a high strength - lightweight material, are in increasing demand for advanced aerospace structures.

General Information
Elemental Boron has unusual optical characteristics, transmitting portions of the infra-red only. It is a poor electrical conductor at room temperature, but a good conductor at high temperatures.

Boron compounds have a cumulative toxic effect.