Boron (B)

Boron (B)

Atomic Number: 5
Atomic Weight: 10.81
Melting Point: 2300
Boiling Point: 2550
Specific Gravity: 2.34 (crystals) 2.37 (amorphous)
Valence(s): 3

Boron was discovered in 1808 by Davy, Gay-Lussac, and Thenard. Rasorite is the main mineral source of Boron. Impure Boron is a dark brown powder that turns bright green when ignited. This makes it useful in pyrotechnics. Appliances such as dryers and refrigerators are coated with Boron compounds. [LM] {RW}