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 coatings and components such as nozzles, seals, and cutting tools. Serves as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors because of its high cross-section for capturing thermal neutrons. Applied in lightweight composite armors for personnel and vehicles, offering high ballistic protection with low density. Utilized in ceramic armor plates for bulletproof vests and military applications. Also used in wear parts for pumps, extrusion dies, and shot blasting equipment where high erosion resistance is required.