Boron is a poor conductor of electricity. However, it is an excellent conductor of electricity when heated to the correct temperatures. “Optical characteristics include transmitting portions of the infrared.”

    Amorphous boron is used in pyrotechnic flares to produce a distinctive green color. Also used in rockets as an igniter.

    Na₂B₄O₇^.5H₂O-The most commonly form of commercially imported boron compound in terms of dollar sales. It is used in extremely large amounts in the manufacturing of insulation fiberglass and sodium perborate bleach.

    Boric acid is important in major markets in textile products. It is used as a mild antiseptic in minor economical terms.

    One of Boron’s Isotopes, B-10, is used to control nuclear reactors as a shield for nuclear radiation. It is also used in instruments for detecting neutrons.

    Boron nitride can be used to make a material as hard as diamond. This material also behaves like and electrical insulator but conducts heat like a metal.

    Boron has lubricating properties similar to graphite. Hydrides are easily oxidized with significant energy liberation and have been studied for use as rocket fuels.

     Some boron compounds show promise in a treatment for arthritis.

    Boron filaments, a high strength, lightweight material chiefly employed for advanced aerospace structures, are in increasing demand.

    Boron has the capacity to form stable covalently molecular networks. Carbonates, metalloboranes, phosphacarboranes, and other families comprise of thousands of compounds.

Principal uses for boron compounds consumed in the United States in 1988 were estimated to be glass products, 56%; soaps and detergents, 6%; agriculture, 4%; and other, 34%