Boron

one of the chemical, non-metallic elements. Boron is not found free in nature. It is found only in combination with other elements, as in borax or in boracic acid. Boron has an affinity for sodium. It was discovered in 1808. Prepared boron is a greenish-brown poder without taste or odor, but producing a stain on the fingers. Boron crystals are made by heating a boric compound with aluminum. The crystals thus formed are known as boron diamonds. These are transparent; they scratch glass, corundum, and the sapphire; and for brilliance and beauty they cannot be distinguished by ordinary means from carbon diamonds. See Borax