The preparation and properties of lithium borate based glasses are described. The properties which were monitored included the glass-forming ability, the thermal stability, the chemical durability and the mechanical behaviour. Methods which were used in an attempt to improve the mechanical properties of these glasses are also discussed, including controlled crystallization, chemical ion-exchange and fibre reinforcement. The strongest glass, which had a mean strength of approximately 280 MPa in biaxial flexure, was produced by ion-exchange in molten sodium nitrate.