Periodic table / Boron

Overview

Boron is a metalloid chemical element with symbol B and atomic number 5. Produced entirely by cosmic ray spallation and supernovae and not by stellar nucleosynthesis, it is a low-abundance element in both the Solar system and the Earth's crust. Boron is concentrated on Earth by the water-solubility of its more common naturally occurring compounds, the borate minerals.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Boron is [He] 2s2 2p1, with electron shells of 2, 3.

Physical and chemical properties

Boron is classified as a metalloid. It has an atomic mass of 10.81 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as black-brown.

Real-world uses of Boron

Boron is valued for its semiconducting properties and is used in electronics, alloys, and specialty chemical applications.

Interesting facts about Boron

• Boron has the atomic number 5 and chemical symbol B.
• It belongs to period 2, group 13 of the periodic table.
• Boron was discovered by Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac.

Explore Boron interactively

Want to compare Boron with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on B to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.