or tincal
Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Na 2 B 4 O 5 (OH) 4 · H 2 O), a soft, light, colourless crystalline mineral used as a component of glass and pottery glazes in the ceramics industry, as a solvent for metal-oxide slags in metallurgy, as a flux in welding and soldering, and as a fertilizer additive, a soap supplement, a disinfectant, a mouthwash, and a water softener.
About 50% of the world's supply comes from southern California deserts, including Death Valley .