Zinc borate compositions having a ZnO:B.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio of 4:1. The hydrated zinc borate 4ZnO.B.sub.2 O.sub.3.H.sub.2 O and anhydrous zinc borate 4ZnO.B.sub.2 O.sub.3 are especially useful as fire-retardants and smoke-suppressant additives for polymeric compositions.