The Probert Encyclopaedia of Science & Technology

CHROMIUM

Chromium is a metal element with the symbol Cr. Chromium forms very hard steel-gray masses; it never occurs native, but is obtained by reducing the oxide with aluminium. Its highest oxide forms a compound of a ruby-red colour. Chromium is so named on account of the various and beautiful colours which its oxide and acid communicate to minerals into whose composition they enter. Chromium provides the colouring matter of the emerald and beryl. Chromium is employed to give a fine deep green to the enamel of porcelain, to glass, etc. Chromium was discovered in 1797 by Vauquelin in the native chromate of lead in Siberia.
Research Chromium