28 Facts About Chromium

Chromium is a chemical element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24.

Chromium metal is valued for its high corrosion resistance and hardness.

Chromium is greatly valued as a metal that is able to be highly polished while resisting tarnishing.

Chromium is the fourth transition metal found on the periodic table, and has an electron configuration of [Ar] 3d 4s.

Chromium is the first element in the 3d series where the 3d electrons start to sink into the nucleus; they thus contribute less to metallic bonding, and hence the melting and boiling points and the enthalpy of atomisation of chromium are lower than those of the preceding element vanadium.

Chromium is a strong oxidising agent in contrast to the molybdenum and tungsten oxides.

Chromium is extremely hard, and is the third hardest element behind carbon and boron.

Chromium is highly resistant to tarnishing, which makes it useful as a metal that preserves its outermost layer from corroding, unlike other metals such as copper, magnesium, and aluminium.

Chromium has a high specular reflection in comparison to other transition metals.

Chromium has unique magnetic properties - chromium is the only elemental solid that shows antiferromagnetic ordering at room temperature and below.

Chromium metal left standing in air is passivated - it forms a thin, protective, surface layer of oxide.

Chromium metal treated in this way readily dissolves in weak acids.

Chromium isotopes are typically collocated with manganese isotopes.

Chromium is a member of group 6, of the transition metals.

Chromium compounds are uncommon, in part because they readily oxidize to chromium derivatives in air.

Chromium hydroxide is amphoteric, dissolving in acidic solutions to form [Cr6], and in basic solutions to form ].

Chromium oxyhalides are known and include chromyl fluoride and chromyl chloride .

Chromium compounds are found in the environment from the erosion of chromium-containing rocks, and can be redistributed by volcanic eruptions.

Chromium produced chromium trioxide by mixing crocoite with hydrochloric acid.

Chromium is famous for its reflective, metallic luster when polished.

Chromium was used for electroplating as early as 1848, but this use only became widespread with the development of an improved process in 1924.

Chromium oxides are used as a green pigment in the field of glassmaking and as a glaze for ceramics.

Chromium is accepted by the U S National Institutes of Health as a trace element for its roles in the action of insulin, a hormone that mediates the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein.

Chromium is an ingredient in total parenteral nutrition, because deficiency can occur after months of intravenous feeding with chromium-free TPN.

Chromium is promoted as a sports performance dietary supplement, based on the theory that it potentiates insulin activity, with anticipated results of increased muscle mass, and faster recovery of glycogen storage during post-exercise recovery.

Chromium is naturally present in the environment in trace amounts, but industrial use in rubber and stainless steel manufacturing, chrome plating, dyes for textiles, tanneries and other uses contaminates aquatic systems.

Chromium salts are the cause of allergic reactions in some people.

Chromium compounds were used in dyes, paints, and leather tanning compounds, these compounds are often found in soil and groundwater at active and abandoned industrial sites, needing environmental cleanup and remediation.