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