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
Na₂[B₄O₅(OH)₄]·8H₂O
The image displays a cluster of white to colorless, translucent to opaque borax crystals, exhibiting blocky to prismatic habits, set against a dark background.
Borax Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect on {100}, good on {110}, distinct on {010}Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
1.715Colors
white, colorless, gray, blue, greenTransparency
transparentType Locality
US Borax Open Pit, U.S. Borax Mine, Boron, California, USAMineral Group
boratesUses
industrial, detergents, flux, glass, ceramics, collectorAssociated Minerals
tincalconite, ulexite, colemanite, gypsum, haliteRarity
commonGeological Context
Borax is a hydrated sodium borate mineral that forms in evaporite deposits, typically in arid regions within playa lakes or saline lake environments, precipitating from highly concentrated brines.
