Borax

Properties

General
Name	Sodium tetraborate decahydrate
Chemical formula	Na2B4O7·10H2O
Appearance	White solid
Physical
Formula weight	381.4 amu
Melting point	Decomposes at 348 K (75 °C)
Density	1.7 ×103 kg/m3
Crystal structure	?
Solubility	55 g in 100g water
Thermochemistry
ΔfH0solid	-6289kJ/mol
S0solid	586 J/mol·K
Safety
Ingestion	GI irritation, large doses may be fatal.
Inhalation	May cause irritation.
Skin	May cause irritation.
Eyes	May cause irritation.
More info	Hazardous Chemical Database (http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/chemicals/8/7386.html)
SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used. Disclaimer and references

Borax, (Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O, sodium borate or sodium tetraborate) is an important boron compound. It is a soft white many-sided crystal that dissolves easily in water.

Borax is widely used in washing powders, water softeners and soap. It is used in making enamel glazes, glass and strengthing pottery and ceramics. It is also easily converted to boric acid or borate, which have many applications. Borax was discovered on January 8, 1856 by John Veatch[?].