Tincalconite

tincalconite, also called jewelers’ borax, a borate mineral, hydrated sodium tetraborate (Na₂B₄O₅(OH)₄·3H₂O), that is found in nature only as a dull, white, fine-grained powder; colourless crystals of the mineral have been made artificially. Tincalconite is common in the borax deposits of southern California, where it often occurs as a coating on kernite or borax, both of which alter to it in a dry atmosphere. For detailed physical properties, see borate mineral (table).