Boron (B)

Elemental boron ([He]2s²2p1) (CAS 7440-42-8), black or dark brown in color, is not found in nature in its pure form but occurs as orthoboric acid or as borates. Boron's energy bandgap of 1.50 to 1.56eV exceeds that of either silicon or germanium. It transmits portions of the infrared. While a good conductor of electricity at high temperatures, boron's conductivity drops significantly at room temperature.