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CAS 3081-14-9. or sodium tetraborate decahydrate—commonly known as borax—is a crystalline compound with a history as multifaceted as its molecular structure. Often marketed under codes like “A7750” (a supplier-specific designation), borax’s journey spans millennia, from ancient rituals to modern laboratories. Here, we delve into its lesser-known tales, blending science, history, and controversy.

1. The Alchemist’s Dream: From Gold to Glass

In medieval Europe, borax was hailed as “sal sedativum”—a “soothing salt” prized by alchemists. They believed it could purify metals and unlock the Philosopher’s Stone. While transmuting lead into gold proved elusive, borax did revolutionize glassmaking. Venetian artisans used it to create Murano glass’s signature clarity, guarding the secret for centuries. By the 18th century, Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele isolated boron from borax, paving the way for modern chemistry—though alchemists likely rolled in their graves at the mundane truth.

2. The Nuclear Pioneers’ Tool

During the Manhattan Project, borax played an unsung role in nuclear physics. Its neutron-absorbing properties made it ideal for controlling fission reactions. Scientists at the Chicago Pile-1 reactor used borax-laden control rods to regulate chain reactions, a critical step in harnessing nuclear energy. Decades later, the same mineral that once preserved pharaohs became a cornerstone of atomic power—a twist even the ancient Egyptians couldn’t have imagined.

3. The Slime Craze: A 21st-Century Resurgence

In 2017. borax (often labeled “A7750” in craft stores) sparked a global slime phenomenon. Parenting blogs and DIY influencers promoted it as a key ingredient for glossy, stretchy slime. While harmless in small amounts, its toxicity in large doses raised alarms. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classified it as a reproductive hazard, leading some retailers to pull products. Yet, the craze persists, blending childhood fun with quiet regulatory drama.

4. The Food Fight: Global Divides

In the U.S., borax was banned as a food additive in 1993 after studies linked it to fertility issues. Yet, in Iran, it’s legally used to fortify noodles, and in Turkey, to preserve fish. A 2015 study found 40% of Turkish bread samples contained borax, sparking public outcry. Meanwhile, in China, a 2008 scandal involving borax-tainted dumplings hospitalized 60 people, highlighting the mineral’s double life as both cultural staple and health risk.

5. The Art of Fluorescence

Under UV light, borax emits a haunting blue glow due to its boron content. This trait was weaponized in WWII to detect counterfeit currency. More playfully, artists like New York’s “Blacklight Paintings” series used borax to create glowing installations. One exhibit featured a borax-coated sculpture that pulsed like a neon heart, merging art and chemistry in unexpected ways.

6. The Legal Battle That Defined Warnings

In 1997. a landmark case (Muller v. Fred Meyer) changed consumer labeling laws. A man sued a grocery store after discovering borax lacked a warning label, arguing it could harm children. The court ruled borax wasn’t inherently toxic but mandated clear industrial-use disclaimers. Today, packages scream “Danger: May Harm Fertility,” a testament to law’s dance with public perception.

Conclusion

From alchemists’ dreams to nuclear reactors, from slime fads to legal battles, borax’s story mirrors humanity’s curiosity and contradictions. Marketed as “A7750” or simply by its CAS number, it remains a symbol of science’s duality—a tool for progress and a cautionary tale. Next time you spot it on a shelf, remember: this humble white powder has outlived empires, inspired art, and reshaped industries, all while quietly glowing in the dark.