Sir Humphry Davy discovered the element Boron in the volcanic spring waters of Death Valley in 1808. The name came from the other substance Borax and the element Carbon. The Boron compounds have been known for 6,000 years.  Boron did not strike the eyes of scientists until the 20th century when it was discovered that it formed many unusual and complex compounds.  Boron is also extremely reactive and sensitive. A higher purity boron was made by reduction of boron trioxide with magnesium.   Boron is used in flares to provide a unique green color, and in rockets as an igniter.