Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monocliniccommonBorates
Borax
Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O
Borax typically forms as white to colorless, often blocky or tabular crystals, which can appear translucent to opaque. The specimen shows white, somewhat blocky crystals, some with a slightly powdery appearance due to alteration.
Borax Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect on {100}, good on {110}Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
1.72Colors
white, colorless, pale gray, pale blueTransparency
transparent/translucentType Locality
Kramer Borate deposit, Boron, Kramer District, California, USAMineral Group
BoratesUses
cleaning products, detergents, insecticides, flux in metallurgy, glass manufacturing, ceramicsAssociated Minerals
tincalconite, halite, gypsum, colemanite, kerniteRarity
commonGeological Context
Borax is an evaporite mineral, forming in arid regions from the evaporation of saline lake waters or playas. It is often found in large, bedded deposits.
