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Ulexite

Sodium calcium borate

Formula: NaCaB5O9·8H2O

Chemistry %

CaO13.84
Na2O7.65
B2O342.95
 

Volatiles %

LOI35.55

Ulexite is a natural source of boron, it is similar to colemanite. These two minerals are the only practical sources of insoluble boron for glazes (other than frits). It is one of the lowest melting non-lead ceramic minerals, it can form an ultra-gloss transparent glass at cone 06. Strangely this material does not appear to flux bodies nearly as well as one might expect.

Ulexite is a truly uncommon ceramic mineral in that it contains almost no alumina or silica, it is nothing but fluxing oxides. This mineral forms in very unusual geologic circumstances and can be found in very few places in the world. The chemistry given here is theoretical, actual deposits will have lower boron content.

The popular mineral Gerstley Borate, used by potters for many decades but now discontinued, is composed partly of ulexite. It was mined in the California desert.

Ulexite is available from Turkey and Chile. It is used in the fiberglass industry as a melter but its potential has never been exploited to any extent in ceramic glazes.


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