Colemanite
Colemanite is a hydrated calcium borate, an altered variation of borax. Over 200 minerals contain boron, but colemanite is one of only a few which is commercially important. It contains 50% B2O3. It forms at a lower pH and warmer temperature than other borates including ulexite.
Type
Mineral
Mineral Classification
Inoborates
Chemical Formula
CaB3O4(OH)3·H2O
Streak
White
Mohs Hardness
4.5
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Color
White, clear, colorless, gray
Luster
Vitreous
Fracture
Conchoidal
Description
Colemanite is a hydrated calcium borate, an altered variation of borax. Over 200 minerals contain boron, but colemanite is one of only a few which is commercially important. It contains 50% B2O3. It forms at a lower pH and warmer temperature than other borates including ulexite.
Uses
See Boron
