Used as an abrasive in grinding, sandblasting, and lapping due to its extreme hardness, second only to diamond and cubic boron nitride. Commonly used in wear-resistant parts such as nozzles, seals, and cutting tools. Employed in lightweight composite armor for personnel and vehicles because of its high strength-to-density ratio. Utilized in neutron absorption applications, especially in nuclear reactors, due to its high cross-section for capturing thermal neutrons. Also applied in high-temperature ceramics and refractory materials where thermal stability and resistance to chemical attack are required.