Used as an abrasive in grinding, sandblasting, and lapping due to its extreme hardness, second only to diamond and cubic boron nitride. Commonly employed in wear-resistant parts such as nozzles, seals, and bearings. Widely used in ballistic armor for personnel and vehicles because of its lightweight and high hardness, effectively stopping high-velocity projectiles. Applied in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber in control rods and shielding due to its high cross-section for thermal neutron capture. Utilized in ceramic composites to enhance strength and thermal stability. Also used in cutting tools and wear plates in industrial equipment.