Lithium metaborate LiBO

Information is also directly available about the electron distribution in the B-0 bond from x-ray diffraction studies (Gajhede et al., 1986 Kirfel et al., 1983) and, indirectly, from studies of the gradient of the electric field at B and O (Snyder et al., 1976 Gajhede, 1985 Tossell and Lazzer-etti, 1988a Tossell, 1990b). For solid lithium metaborate, LiBO, with chains of BO, triangles, x-ray studies yield deformation densities that do... 

Fusion decomposition provides an alternative digestion method. This is a high-temperature technique where powdered samples are heated with a suitable flux to produce a residue that may be readily dissolved. Fusion decompositions are the most rigorous digestions available and all silicate materials can be brought into a complete solution when fused with an appropriate flux. The principal disadvantage of the fusion technique is the introduction of extra salts into the final solution from the flux (thereby increasing total dissolved solids). Fusion decomposition remains the preferred technique for quantitative analysis of silicon, and may be the only practical method for complete decomposition of refractory minerals such as zircon, rutile, and cassiterite. Many fluxes have been used, but perhaps the most commonly used is lithium metaborate (LiBOs). This flux introduces only Li and B into the final solution, and is used at a relatively low flux sample ratio of 3 1. 

Some materials are particularly resistant to acid digestion, e.g., certain rocks, mineral oxides, phosphates, and some iron alloys. For these samples, high-temperature fusion with an acidic or basic flux such as lithium metaborate (LiBOs) in the molten state can be used to render such materials soluble in water or dilute acid. Fusion decompositions are the most rigorous methods available and all silicate materials, including refractory substances like zircon and cassiterite, can be dissolved completely when fused with an appropriate flux. However, there are several disadvantages to this method including the introduction of additional salts into the final solution... 

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