A hard, glassy mineral composed of borate of magnesia and other elements, typically colorless or pale blue, used as a gemstone and in mineral collections.
From 'borax' or 'boric' (boron-related) plus the mineralogical suffix '-ite,' which names minerals; follows the Linnaean system of naming minerals after their chemical composition.
Boracite crystals are piezoelectric, meaning they generate electricity when compressed or stressed—gem collectors prize them not just for beauty but because they demonstrate the mysterious properties that led to the development of quartz watches and modern piezoelectric technology.
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