Boron

Boron

Symbol

B

Atomic Number

5

Atomic Mass

10.811

Family

Group 13 (Iiia) Pronunciation

BOR-on

Overview

Boron is the first element in Group 13 (IIIA) of the periodic table. The periodic table is a chart that shows how the chemical elements are related to each other. The elements in this group are usually referred to as the aluminum family.

Boron is quite different from other members of the family. One difference is that boron is not a metal. All other members of the family (aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium) are metals.

Compounds of boron have been used for centuries. Borax, a boron compound, has long been used to make glass and glazes. The element itself was not identified until 1808.

The most important use of boron is still in glass manufacture. Agriculture, fire retardants, and soaps and detergents rely on boron compounds.

Discovery and Naming

The first mention of boron compounds is found in a book by Persian alchemist Rhazes (c. 865-c. 925). Alchemists studied the nature of matter before modern chemistry was born.

Rhazes classified minerals into six classes, one of which was the boraces, which included borax.

Borax was widely used by crafts people.

Boron article

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