Chromium

The Element Chromium From the Greek word for color, C**hroma**.

By Pablo Reyes


 * Atomic:** 24


 * Atomic Weight:** 51.9961


 * Melting Point:** 2180 K (1907°C or 3465°F)

 1000 × 1000 - periodictable.com
 * Boiling Point:** 2944 K (2671°C or 4840°F)


 * Density:** 7.15 grams per cubic centimeter


 * Phase at Room Temperature:** Solid


 * Element Classification:** Metal


 * Period Number:** 4


 * Group Number:** 6


 * Group Name:** none

Chromium was discovered by Louis-Nicholas Vauquelin while experimenting with a material known as Siberian red lead, also known as the mineral crocoite (PbCrO 4 ), in 1797. Today, Chromium is primarily obtained by heating the mineral chromite (FeCr 2 O 4 ) in the presence of aluminum or silicon. Chromium is a blue-white metal that is hard, brittle and very corrosion resistant. Chromium can be polished to form a very shiny surface and is often plated to other metals to form a protective and attractive covering. Chromium is added to steel to harden it and to form stainless steel, a steel alloy that contains at least 10% chromium. Other Chromium-steel alloys are used to make armor plate, safes, ball bearings and cutting tools.