Boron

(bo'ron.) (Chem.) A non - metallic ele mont, which was first obtained in the free state from boracic acid by Gay-Lu ac and Thénard in 1808. In the amorphous state, it is a dark greenish-brown powder, opaque, free from taste and smell, and a non-conductor of electricity when un ignited. When heated to 572° it burns in the air, forming boracic acid. It also exists in tho graph i to i dal form as well-defined six-sided crystals, perfectly opaque, and of a semi-metallic lustre. It forms compounds with all the other elements, the most important being boracic acid and borax. [s. 107]