Beyond Atomic Numbers - Every Element Has a Story
51.996
6
4
D Block
Transition Metal
Chromium was discovered in 1797 by the French chemist Louis Nicolas Vauquelin while studying the mineral crocoite. Its name comes from the Greek word "chroma," meaning colour.
Chromium is mainly obtained from the mineral chromite (FeCr₂O₄). Large deposits occur in South Africa, Kazakhstan, India and Turkey.
Group 6 | Period 4 | D Block | Transition Metal
Chromium is widely used to manufacture stainless steel, chrome-plated automobile parts, cutting tools, industrial machinery and corrosion-resistant alloys.
Iron, Nickel, Oxygen and Carbon
Strong oxidizing acids can attack chromium, but under normal conditions it forms a thin oxide layer that protects it from corrosion.
Electronic Configuration: [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹
Chromium provides exceptional hardness, wear resistance and corrosion protection. Even small amounts greatly improve the performance of steel.
Nearly all modern stainless steel contains chromium. Without chromium, stainless steel would rust much more easily.
Nearly all modern stainless steel contains chromium. Without chromium, stainless steel would rust much more easily.
Chromium electroplating gives automobile parts, motorcycles, taps, bicycles and machinery their shiny mirror-like finish while protecting them from corrosion and scratches.
Chromium compounds produce brilliant colours. Chromium oxide gives a deep green colour, while lead chromate was historically used as a bright yellow pigment known as chrome yellow.
Chromium is used in aerospace components, gas turbines, refractory bricks, metal finishing, leather tanning and high-temperature industrial furnaces.
Scientists are developing chromium-based superalloys, corrosion-resistant coatings and advanced materials for aerospace, energy and nuclear industries.
Chromium is produced inside massive stars and distributed across space during supernova explosions. It eventually becomes part of planets and meteorites.
The name Chromium comes from the Greek word chroma, meaning "colour," because its compounds display many beautiful colours including green, yellow, orange and red.