Borates

The borates are compounds of one or more metallic elements combined with the borate radical (B₂O₃). This group forms two subgroups, the hydrous borates and the anhydrous borates.

Hydrous Borates - The hydrous borates are borates that have water (H₂O) in their structure. These minerals are soft, brittle, and white to very lightly colored. Many are soluble in water, and are found in dry lake deposits.

Anhydrous Borates - The anhydrous borates represent very few minerals. They form from igneous or metamorphic sources, as opposed to the hydrous borates which form from in arid regions usually at dry lake deposits. The anhydrous borates contain no water in their structure. They are rare and have no industrial value. Their composition is stable; they are strong minerals and are usually very hard.

In many references, the borates are considered a subcategory of the carbonates.

• Back to borate group list (all)
• Back to borate group list (subdivided)
• Back to borate group list (Dana)