About borates

Borates in nature
Boron - the chemical element found in borates - exists throughout nature, and is an essential micronutrient for plant life.

Borates in use
Borates play a central role in hundreds of products as varied as flat-screen televisions, ceramic tiles, and high-yield crop fertilizers.

Borates by function
Boron's distinct and versatile chemical characteristics make it an essential element to modern life.

Understanding the difference

• Boron is a chemical element.
• Borates are compounds that contain boron.
• Borax is an important borate compound, and the name of Rio Tinto's borates business.