In the last Death Valley post I mentioned the mining of salt deposits. Well sodium borate, or borax, known as the “White gold of the desert” ranks as Death Valley’s most profitable mineral as seen at the Harmony borax Works. Read more here.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Part 5 - Death Valley National Park - Day 2 Harmony Borax Works
In the last Death Valley post I mentioned the mining of salt deposits. Well sodium borate, or borax, known as the “White gold of the desert” ranks as Death Valley’s most profitable mineral as seen at the Harmony borax Works. Read more here.
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I remember those commercials (dating myself here) but didn't know all about it. Thanks for sharing.
That's a dramatic header!
Gee, that post left me parched and thirsty.
Gaelyn: I remember that product so well, it used to run on the cowboy shows back in my day.
I'm another one who remember the "20 Mule Team borax show...it also works for killing fleas in carpets..
Awsome!!!! header
www.wildlifearoundus.blogspot.com
Well - your post brought back memories for me, too, Gaelyn! Giddyup!
Its always interesting to see where the things we use come from. It should be a requirement for us to know the history and components of the things we wish to buy and use. That way, we can make a better decision about our effects on other people, the environment, and our personal karma.
Ah '20 mule team Borax' and it is still around. I remember learning about the mines back in the 5th grade and was fascinated. Still amazes me.
Regarding my post. No hard work at all. I just took the top picture (reflection one) and turned it upside down. Weird huh! MB
I remember Ronald Reagan doing those commercials.
Somehow, TV managed to romanticize Borax. It's amazing what advertising can do.
Interesting history on the subject. Sounds like those poor Chinese laborers didn't fare too well.
Been a long time since I thought of 20 mule team Borax. Saw that picture and felt a little nostalgic. I've been doing some research on the Burma shave signs one used to see along the road. Thanks for the pictures history and commentary
I'm enjoying wandering through Death Valley with you. It has been a while since we have been there.
I have an award for you, stop by and see if you want to participate.
Interesting post. I was reading info on the town of Boron, CA in the Mojave Desert a couple of years ago which has the largest open pit borate mine. Plus I think borax must have been being mined outside of Amboy, CA, also in the Mojave. Fascinating stuff. Thanks for your post.
Another very interesting post. It remindes me of the gold mining in the Knysna forest in the late 1800's. Gold was found in the streams of the forest on the Southern Cape Coast (Garden Route) and hundreds of people moved into the area because of the gold. Millwood developed as a thriving town, but after gold was found on the Reef (Johannesburg area), the prospectors moved as there wasn't much gold to be found in the forest. Today there are onle a couple of abandoned mines, a grave yard and a little museum with a coffee shop.
How interesting Gaelyn. I have not heard of Brax for years and years.
Happen to come across your Blog. I just love reading about History. I also like to snoop around History in our area. You have some very interesting Posts. I enjoyed them. Will follow your Blog from now on.
Thanks and nice to meet you.
Les
terrific photos of a great place. I like how you tie the theme together & tell a story.
I can be sure I will learn something new each time I read one of your posts. Very interesting.
I remember commercials for that!
I too remember those commercials.. Interesting info as always Gaelyn
It always amazes me where things come from, and everything that we do to get it. Those 20 mule teams amaze me, and especially out there, those were hardy mules!!
Never had a clue from where Borax came or how it was formed. Such an education you provide!
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