History ------- (Gr. chroma, color) Discovered in 1797 by Vauquelin, who prepared the metal the next year, chromium is a steel-gray, lustrous, hard metal that takes a high polish. Sources ------- The principal ore is chromite, which is found in Zimbabwe, Russia, Transvaal, Turkey, Iran, Albania, Finland, Democratic Republic of Madagascar, and the Phillippines. The metal is usually produced by reducing the oxide with [aluminum](/research/charts/periodic-table-of-elements/aluminum). Uses ---- Chromium is used to harden steel, to manufacture stainless steel, and to form many useful alloys. Much is used in plating to produce a hard, beautiful surface and to prevent corrosion. Chromium gives glass an emerald green color and is widely used as a catalyst. The refractory industry has found chromite useful for forming bricks and shapes, as it has a high melting point, moderate thermal expansion, and stability of crystalline structure. Compounds --------- All compounds of chromium are colored; the most important are the chromates of [sodium](/research/charts/periodic-table-of-elements/sodium) and [potassium](/research/charts/periodic-table-of-elements/potassium) and the dichromates and the [potassium](/research/charts/periodic-table-of-elements/potassium) and ammonium chrome alums. The dichromates are used as oxidizing agents in quantitative analysis, also in tanning leather. Other compounds are of industrial value; lead chromate is chrome yellow, a valued pigment. Chromium compounds are used in the textile industry as mordants, and by the aircraft and other industries for anodizing aluminum. Handling -------- Chromium compounds are toxic and should be handled with proper safeguards.