borax

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borax evaporite mineral, Na2B4O7.10H2O; sp. gr. 1.7; hardness 2.0–2.5; monoclinic; white, sometimes greyish or tinged blue; white streak; vitreous to resinous lustre; cleavage good {100}, {110}; occurs as a sediment of saline lakes, and in association with halite, sulphates, carbonates, and other borates such as colemanite (Ca2B6O11.5H2O) and ulexite (NaCaB5O9.8H2O). Soluble in water. It is a source mineral for boric compounds.

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