Borates are naturally occurring minerals that contain the element boron. They are commonly found in evaporite deposits, where water has evaporated and left behind concentrated minerals. Borates are used in various applications, including glass and ceramics production, agriculture as fertilizers, and in the manufacturing of detergents and cosmetics. These compounds are typically white or colorless and can appear as crystalline solids. Some well-known borate minerals include borax and kernite. Due to their unique properties, borates play a significant role in enhancing the performance of many everyday products, making them valuable in both industrial and consumer markets.