Chromium

Chromium is a lustrous, hard metal element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It has an atomic weight of 51.9961 u and density of 7.19 g/cm3. Chromium has a melting point of 1907°C and boiling point of 2671°C. It has multiple oxidation states, the most common being +3 and +6. Chromium rarely occurs in nature purely as the metal. Instead, it forms chromium ores such as chromite (FeCr2O4) which contain chromium (+3) ions. Chromium metal is produced from its ores via aluminothermic reactions and other chemical processes.

Chromium finds many applications in the electronics industry. It is widely used as a coating in order to add corrosion resistance, hardness, and a glossy finish to other metals. Chromium electroplating is commonly applied to steel parts, tools, jewelry, and more to protect from oxidation and wear. Chromium is also a key component of stainless steel, providing strength and surface stability. Trace amounts of chromium are used to alter the magnetic properties and improve the strength of iron in electrical steels. Additionally, chromium oxide is utilized to manufacture magnetic tape for data storage and ferrochromium is added to NiCr alloys in heating coils and furnace parts. Overall, chromium is a versatile transition metal with essential uses across electronics and metallurgy.