Production Methods
Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate is commercially produced through a multi-step chemical process that typically begins with the reaction of colemanite, a naturally occurring borate mineral, with sodium carbonate in water. This reaction yields an aqueous solution containing sodium tetraborate and sodium hydroxide, while precipitating calcium carbonate as a byproduct. After removing the solid calcium carbonate, the solution is treated with boric acid to neutralize the sodium hydroxide and increase the yield of sodium tetraborate. The final step involves crystallising sodium tetraborate pentahydrate from the solution by controlled cooling, resulting in high-purity white crystals.
