Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c47.22

v2.c47.22

**Borax** : Composition Na₂B₄O₇, 10H₂O Hardness 2-2.5 white. Vitreous to resinous luster. Obtained from evaporation of saline lakes and salt deposits in Kashmir and Tibet. Used as flux for soldering, as antiseptic, washing etc. Called *burag* in Arabic which included niter sodium carbonate, also natron of the Egyptian crude borax known as tincal by the Europeans.