Boron is a relatively rare element in the Earth's crust, with an estimated abundance of about 10 parts per million (ppm). This makes it the 31st most abundant element in the Earth's crust. By comparison, the most abundant element in the Earth's crust is oxygen, which makes up about 47% of the crust by weight.

Boron is found in a variety of minerals, including borax, ulexite, and tourmaline. These minerals are found in evaporite deposits, which are formed when water evaporates from lakes or seas. Borax is the most common boron mineral, and it is mined in several countries around the world, including the United States, Turkey, and China.

Boron is an essential element for plants, and it is also used in a variety of industrial applications. Borax is used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and detergents. It is also used as a flame retardant and as a flux in soldering.