Guide to the Elements - Boron

(1/06/2009) - Boron is a relatively scarce mineral with only limited use in world industry.

What is Boron? - Boron is a non-metallic element that is found in several, and never by its lonesome self.  It is un-reactive with water and oxygen, and must be heated before it will conduct electricity well.  

Where does Boron come from? - The world’s largest producer of boron is Turkey, which produces about 2,500 tons a year, or half of world production.  The United States, Argentina, Chile, Russia and China produce most of the rest. 

Current production stands at around 5,000 tons per year.  With a worldwide reserve base of 410,000 tons, boron is a relatively scarce mineral with limited use in human industry.  By comparison, in a single day the world produces 18 times more aluminum than the amount of boron it uses in an entire year.  At current extraction rates, current boron reserves will last for 82 more years.  However, it is likely that there are boron deposits yet to be discovered. 

What is Boron used for? – Boron is most commonly used in glass and ceramics, which consumed 72% of all boron in 2006.  Boron, in the compound borax, is used to make soaps, detergents and bleaches such as sodium perborate bleach (this uses about 4% of all produced boron).  Small amounts of boron are also used in agriculture (where it is considered a micronutrient for plants such as carrots), enamels and glazes, and a variety of other uses.

Can Boron be recycled? – In theory, it probably can be recycled.  As far as I can tell, however, there is no current effort to recycle it. 

Does Boron present any environmental concerns? – No.