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The Element

Chromium (pronounced /ˈkroʊmiəm/) is a chemical element which has the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is a steely-gray, lustrous, hard metal that takes a high polish and has a high melting point. It is also odourless, tasteless, and malleable. Chromium was named after the Greek word "Chrōma" (χρωμα) meaning color, because of the many colorful compounds made from it.

History

The history of chromium dates back thousands of years. Weapons found in burial pits dating from the late 3rd century BC Qin Dynasty of the Terracotta Army near Xi'an, China have been analyzed by archaeologists. Although buried more than 2,000 years ago, the ancient bronze tips of crossbow bolts and swords found at the site showed no sign of corrosion, because the bronze was coated with chromium

Uses of Chrome:

• In metallurgy, to impart corrosion resistance, create a shiny finish, or increase hardness: 
  • as an alloy constituent, such as in stainless steel
  • in chrome plating
  • chromic acid is used in some anodizing processes
• As dyes and paints:
  • Chromium(III) oxide is a metal polish known as green rouge.
  • Chromium salts color glass an emerald green.
  • Chromium is what makes a ruby red, and therefore is used in producing synthetic rubies.
  • also makes a brilliant yellow for painting
• As a catalyst.
• Chromite is used to make molds for the firing of bricks.
• Chromium salts are used in the tanning of leather.
• Potassium dichromate is a chemical reagent, used in cleaning laboratory glassware and as a titrating agent. It is also used as a mordant (i.e., a fixing agent) for dyes in fabric.
• Chromium(IV) oxide (CrO₂) is used to manufacture magnetic tape, where its higher coercivity than iron oxide tapes gives better performance.
• In well drilling muds as an anti-corrosive.
• In medicine, as a dietary supplement or slimming aid, usually as chromium(III) chloride, chromium(III) picolinate, chromium(III) polynicotinate or as an amino acid chelate, such as chromium(III) D-phenylalanine.

• Chromium hexacarbonyl (Cr(CO)₆) is used as a gasoline additive.
• Chromium boride (CrB) is used as a high-temperature electrical conductor.
• Chromium(III) sulfate (Cr₂(SO₄)₃) is used as a green pigment in paints, in ceramic, varnishes and inks as well as in chrome plating.
• Chromium(VI) is used in the post Ballard preparation of Gravure (rotogravure) printing Forme Cylinders. By electroplating the metal onto the second coat of copper (after the Ballard skin), the longevity of the printing cylinder is increased.

Chrome - near limitless applications. Reflective, Durable and a status Symbol. Check with out partners at Chrome.us - the links are all around you - to get your Chromed items!