Boron

The use of borate minerals and chemicals dates from the ninth century when it found use in glazes and as flux for gold working. These uses remain today. However, discovery continues for new uses of boron. Boron is the fifth element on the Periodic Table. It is never found free in nature. It is usually found combined with sodium and calcium.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated world production to be 4.8 Mt (5.3 million st) gross weight of ore. Of this, the United States accounted for 1.2 Mt (1.3 million st), Turkey 1.5 Mt (1.65 million st) Russia 1 Mt (1.1 million st) and South America 910 kt (1 million st).

U.S. production

The United States remains the world's largest producer of refined boron compounds. Turkey remains the largest boron producer. U.S. exports accounted for about one-half of the production. U.S. boron reserves are located …