Boron occurs in minerals such as borax.
Uses and research
Boron compounds help make glass resistant to sudden temperature changes.
Between familiar metals and nonmetals
This guide classifies it as a metalloid, a useful label for elements with some properties between typical metals and nonmetals. The exact membership can vary between references. A category label alone does not determine conductivity, hardness or every other property: structure, temperature and composition also matter.
What the atomic number tells us
Boron has atomic number 5. This is the number of protons in its nucleus. A neutral atom also has 5 electrons. Losing or gaining electrons makes an ion; it does not change the element unless the proton count changes.
The model's rings help count electrons by shell. They are not actual circular paths. A model of one atom and the properties of a whole material are different levels of description.
Temperature and state
25°C: Solid
Illustrative particle motion: sizes, distances and speeds are not to scale. Particles represent atoms or molecules.
← CoolHeat →
Melting point 2,074.85°C / Boiling point 3,999.85°C
Pure element at 1 atmosphere. Image conditions are explained in captions. Pictures do not change with temperature.