Borates in chemistry are chemical compounds containing boron bonded to three oxygen atoms written as B(OR)3. In B(OR)4− anions, this number increases to four. The borate ion is BO33−. it forms salts with metallic elements. Boron found in nature is commonly as a borate mineral. Boron is also found combined with silicate to form complex borosilicate minerals such as the tourmalines. Borate exists in many forms. In acid and near-neutral conditions, it's boric acid, commonly written as… (More on Borate)