Question

Kernite is a mineral containing:
A. Aluminium
B. Gallium
C. Boron
D. Silicon

Answer 1

Hint:Kernite is a mineral containing any of the four given elements. A mineral is a naturally occurring homogeneous solid formed by inorganic processes. It has a definite chemical composition and a highly ordered arrangement of atoms which exists in pure forms.

Complete answer:
Kernite is a mineral that occurs in the sedimentary deposits formed by water-soluble mineral sediments which on evaporation results in concentration and crystallization. It is normally found in arid regions. Kernite is a hydrated sodium borate hydroxide mineral. The chemical formula of kernite mineral is \[{{N}}{{{a}}_2}{{{B}}_4}{{{O}}_6}{\left( {{{OH}}} \right)_2}.3{{{H}}_2}{{O}}\] . It is a structurally complex borate with a basic structure containing interlocking chains of ${{B}}{{{O}}_3}\left( {{{OH}}} \right)$ tetrahedrons. The basic unit of kernite structure has a formula of \[{\left[ {{{{B}}_4}{{{O}}_6}{{\left( {{{OH}}} \right)}_2}} \right]^{2 - }}\] . The mineral kernite is considered to be a mineral that is metamorphic ( rocks with the original structure changed by heat and pressure).
Kernite is also known as rasorite. It is a white crystalline mineral occurring with a monoclinic crystal system.

Hence, option (C) Boron is the correct answer.

Additional Information:
Borax is a compound with the chemical formula, ${{N}}{{{a}}_2}{{{H}}_4}{{{B}}_4}{{{O}}_9}.{{n}}{{{H}}_2}{{O}}$ . Different boron-containing chemical compounds or minerals contain different water of crystallization content. Borax has a wide variety of applications in various fields.
Some of the uses of borax are:
-It is used as a precursor for the manufacture of various commercial products of boron including boric acid which is used in the synthesis of insecticides.
-It is used as an antifungal agent.
-Various soaps, detergents, household laundry and cleaning products are made from borax.
-Various cosmetic products also contain a good amount of borax.
-It is used as a texturing agent in cooking.

Note: Kernite is a mineral of boron with the chemical name as hydrated sodium borate hydroxide, having a chemical formula \[{{N}}{{{a}}_2}{{{B}}_4}{{{O}}_6}{\left( {{{OH}}} \right)_2}.3{{{H}}_2}{{O}}\] . It is found in the sedimentary rock deposits of arid regions. It has a white crystalline structure.