Chromium is a chemical element whilk haes the seembol Cr an atomic nummer 24. It is the first element in Group 6. It is a steely-gray, lustrous, haurd an brickle metal[3] whilk taks a heich polish, resists tarnishin, an haes a heich meltin pynt. The name o the element is derived frae the Greek wird χρῶμα, chrōma, meanin colour,[4] acause mony o its compoonds is odious coloured.
Quick Facts Appearance, Standard atomic weight Ar, std(Cr) ...
Ferrochromium alloy is commercially produced frae chromite bi silicothermic or aluminothermic reactions an chromium metal bi roastin an leachin processes follaed bi reduction wi caurbon an then aluminium. Chromium metal is o heich vailyie for its heich corrosion resistance an haurdness. A major development in steel production wis the diskivery that steel coud be made heichly resistant tae corrosion an discolouration bi addin metallic chromium tae form stainless steel. Stainless steel an chrome platin (electroplatin wi chromium) thegither comprise 85% o the commercial uise.
Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) ion is an essential nutrient in trace amoonts in humans for insulin, succar an lipidmetabolism, awtho the issue is debatit.[5]
While chromium metal an Cr(III) ions are nae conseedert toxic, hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is toxic an carcinogenic. Abandont chromium production steids eften require environmental cleanup.