Show RECORD production OF BORAX IN 1920 the quantity of borax produced and sold in the united states in 1920 was short tons valued at according r to R C wells of the united states geological survey department of the interior this is a record production and value exceeding even those of 1919 tons and 4 which were higher than those of any previous year for many years borax has been manufactured in the united states from the mineral a calcium borate which is mined in california but for the last two years some borax has also been obtained from the water of searles lake california as it is one of the salts that the brine yields by a certain method of treatment this method of treatment marks a new departure in the borax industry and recalls the old days in the when borax was made by the crude salt found in the mud of borax lake the total quantity of crude borates produced in the united states in 1920 amounted to tons valued at this is a record in quantity though not in value on account of the lower grade of the ores borax called in chemistry sodium is used in large quantities in making the enameled coating for cast iron and steel ware used in plumbing fixtures chemical equipment and kitchen utensils it is also a constituent of boros licate glasses such as are employed in making lamp chimneys baking dishes and laboratory glassware considerable borax is also used in the laundry and kitchen in making soap and starch in paper sizing and in tanning and welding in the united states a considerable quantity of boric acid is made from borax as well as from boric acid is an ail antiseptic and is also used in cosmetics it is also employed to preserve meats under conditions permitted by the food and drugs act figures showing the exports of borax and boric acid are not available and the imports are relatively insignificant the price of borax in 1920 as quoted in the new york market for crystals in bags in car lots averaged 91 cents a pound the price in ill 1919 was about cents a pound borax was produced in the united states t in 1920 by the american trona corporation broadway new york city the pacific coast borax company william street new ew york city charles pfizer company 81 maiden lane new york city thirkill sen mather ather co ill west monroe street chicago ill I 1 the west end chemical company at searles lake expects to begin marketing borax bora x in the near future T |