Overview
Boron is a brittle, low density metalloid with complex bonding and exists in several allotropes.
Properties
It has high hardness, high melting point and forms covalent networks and boron compounds with diverse chemistry.
Occurrence and Uses
Found in borate minerals, boron is used in borosilicate glass, detergents, agriculture and semiconductor research.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes B 10 and B 11 exist; boron compounds vary in toxicity and are handled according to material safety data sheets.