Alkaline vs. Borax — What's the Difference?

Often used in batteries due to their ability to conduct electricity.

Has antifungal and antiseptic properties.

Common in nature and can be found in minerals and water.

A naturally occurring mineral; sodium borate.

Can be dangerous if highly concentrated.

Used as a household cleaner and laundry booster.

Basic and capable of neutralizing acids.

Acts as a flux in metal welding.

Substance with a pH higher than 7.

Utilized in the manufacture of glass and ceramics.

Of, relating to, or containing an alkali.

Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is an important boron compound, a mineral, and a salt of boric acid. Powdered borax is white, consisting of soft colorless crystals that dissolve in water.

Having a pH greater than 7.

A white compound which occurs as a mineral in some alkaline salt deposits and is used in making glass and ceramics, as a metallurgical flux, and as an antiseptic.

Having a relatively low concentration of hydrogen ions.

Good-natured teasing or ridicule; banter

Of or relating to a common disposable battery made of zinc and manganese dioxide.

A hydrated sodium borate, Na2B4O7·10H2O, an ore of boron, that is used as a cleaning compound.

Of, or relating to an alkali, one of a class of caustic bases.

Cheap merchandise, especially tasteless furnishings

(chemistry) Having a pH greater than 7.

A white or gray/grey crystalline salt, with a slight alkaline taste, used as a flux, in soldering metals, making enamels, fixing colors/colours on porcelain, and as a soap, etc.

An alkaline battery.

(chemistry) The sodium salt of boric acid, Na₂B₄O₇, either anhydrous or with 5 or 10 molecules of water of crystallization; sodium tetraborate.

Of or pertaining to an alkali or to alkalies; having the properties of an alkali.

Cheap or tawdry furniture or other works of industrial design.

Relating to or containing an alkali; having a pH greater than 7;

(transitive) To treat with borax.

A white or gray crystalline salt, with a slight alkaline taste, used as a flux, in soldering metals, making enamels, fixing colors on porcelain, and as a soap. It occurs native in certain mineral springs, and is made from the boric acid of hot springs in Tuscany. It was originally obtained from a lake in Thibet, and was sent to Europe under the name of tincal. Borax is a pyroborate or tetraborate of sodium, Na2B4O7.10H2O.

An ore of boron consisting of hydrated sodium borate; used as a flux or cleansing agent

Alkaline substances can affect water pH and aquatic life if not managed properly.

Borax typically has a pH of around 9.

No, borax is not safe for ingestion and should not be used in food preparation.

Borax is generally more alkaline than baking soda.

Protective gear should be worn, especially with strong alkalines to avoid skin and eye contact.

Yes, borax can neutralize acids, though it is less potent compared to stronger bases.

Yes, many foods are naturally alkaline or are made with alkaline ingredients.

It is used in glass making, ceramics, and as a flux in welding.

Prolonged exposure to borax can lead to skin and respiratory irritations.

By measuring its pH level using pH strips or electronic pH meters.

Not all; while substances like baking soda are safe, others like lye must be used with caution.

No, borax is a precursor to boric acid but they are chemically distinct substances.

Borax deposits are mainly found in arid regions of the USA and Turkey.

Their ion concentration enables them to conduct electricity.

Using borax in moderated amounts and following local environmental guidelines helps ensure sustainability.