who carries 20 mule Team Borax

[georgeortiz]

Hey,
Does anybody now who sells 20 mule Team Borax. I am looking to use this to mix with RO/DI to make a diy ph calibration fluid.

[GaryP]

HEB or Wal-Mart, the clothes washing aisle.

Borax is a complex borate mineral that is found in playa lakes and other evaporite deposits. The basic structure of borax contains chains of interlocking BO2(OH) triangles and BO3(OH) tetrahedrons bonded to chains of sodium and water octahedrons. Most old mineral specimens of borax are chalky white due to a chemical reaction from dehydration. They have actually altered (at least on their surface) to the mineral tincalconite, Na2 B4O7-5H2O, with the loss of water. This kind of alteration from one mineral to another leaves the original shape of the crystal. Minerologists refer to this as a pseudomorph, or "fake shape", because the tincalconite has the crystal shape of the predecessing borax.

Anything else you would like to know?

[jaded]

I'm afraid I have to disagree with my esteemed college on this one… the older mineral specimens of borax are more of a antique white instead of chalky white. And lets not forget the sudohalogenic compound phsyangin.

Sorry man… I’m only kidding… but I couldn’t resist! Can anyone name the movie that the line “sudohalogenic compound phsyangin” came from???

[jaded]

that post isn't going to be anywhere near as funny is it was while i was writing it... trust me, laugh a little

[GaryP]

Coneheads?

[::pete::]

Jade

:D

[blueboy]

maybe "fear and loathing in las vegas", or "altered states"?

[CD]

“sudohalogenic compound phsyangin” came from???


Darnit...it was that remake of the cop show with Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks....ARGGG! I can't think of the name! OH Dragnet

Wendy

[jaded]

You got it... I use that line more often than I should since it’s so obscure, good one wendy!!!

Sorry about the hijacked thread georgeortiz, but if gary's answer didn’t do the trick I’m sure there are some noble award winning members that can elaborate

[GaryP]

I knew it was a Dan Akyrod movie. I just guessed the wrong one.

[jaded]

hes hilarious!!!

[CD]

You got it... I use that line more often than I should since it’s so obscure, good one wendy!!!


Yayyyy!! That IS an obscure one, and it's pretty old too...what, like the mid 80's? LOL...but then again, I AM kind of a movie buff. :lol

Wendy :D

[georgeortiz]

Thanks guys for the info and the humor!

[fperkins]

just fyi it's -- "Pseudohalogenic compound cyanogen".

Sounds like something one should get a buzz from, but don't get ready to kick back with a bong full.


Pseudohalogens are binary inorganic compounds of the general form XY, where X is a cyanide, cyanate , thiocyanate etc. radical and Y is any of X, or a halogen.

The halogens are a chemical series. They are the elements in Group 17 (old-style: VII or VIIA) of the periodic table: fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. The word comes from Greek roots meaning "salt" and "creator".

Halogens are highly reactive, and as such can be harmful or lethal to biological organisms in sufficient quantities. Chlorine and iodine are both used as disinfectants for such things as drinking water, swimming pools, fresh wounds, dishes, and surfaces. They kill bacteria and other potentially harmful microorganisms, a process known as sterilization. Their reactive properties are also put to use in bleaching. Chlorine is the active ingredient of most fabric bleaches and is used in the production of most paper products.

Chlorine is by far the most abundant of the halogens, and the only one needed in relatively large amounts (as chloride ions) by humans. For example, chloride ions play a key role in brain function by mediating the action of the inhibitory transmitter GABA and are also used by the body to produce stomach acid. Iodine is needed in trace amounts for the production of thyroid hormones such as thyroxine. On the other hand, neither fluorine nor bromine are believed to be really essential for humans, although small amounts of fluoride does make teeth enamel somewhat more resistant to attack.

Cyanogen can be harmful to the human body. It is found in some foodstuffs, but in small quantities it is considered harmless.