Periodic Table of the Elements: Boron

Name: Boron
Symbol: B
Atomic Number: 5
Atomic Mass: 10.811 +/- 0.003
Atomic Volume: 4.67 cc/mol
Discovered By: First isolated by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808
Discovery Date: 1808
Origin of Name: Boron - (Arabic) Buraq
Toxicity: Not toxic. Finely dispersed powder has a harmful effect on the lungs. Compounds not toxic. Fatal when taken internally in large amounts (5-20 g). Some compounds such as chromium boride are toxic (finely dispersed insoluble powders).
Summary: Boron is not found free in nature, but usually as borates such as borax (Na ₂ B ₄ O ₇ ). Pure Boron crystals (alpha-tetragonal) are almost as hard as diamond.

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