Harmony Borax Works

Harmony Borax Works was first built in 1882.

Ore was dissolved in hot water and chemically treated.  Impurities settled out leaving a solution of sodium borate.  The solution was transferred to tanks where crystals formed as the solution cooled.  The operation had to be suspended each summer because the Valley was so hot that the solution would not cool enough for the borax to precipitate.

The crystals were then bagged and shipped by 20 mule team to Mojave, 165 miles away.  The rear wheels of these wagons are 7 feet in diameter.  The tank wagon contains water for the men and animals.

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