Extracted from the mineral chromite (FeCr₂O₄), which occurs in layered volcanic and a
few metamorphic rocks. Chromium is a hard, shiny, silvery-grey metal with a melting
point of 1907°C. Known for its atomic number 24 and chemical symbol “Cr,” it is
highly valued for its exceptional corrosion resistance and warm stability. Its name comes
from the Greek word “chroma,” meaning colour, due to its colourful compounds used in
pigments.
The metal is vital in stainless steel production, enhancing both strength and resistance
to corrosion. Moreover, it compounds are widely used in different applications,
including pigments, leather tanning, and as catalysts.
It is produced after the mining of chromite mineral, then crushed and subjected
to gravity separation to concentrate this metal’s substance. At that point, the metal is
purified in a heater to produce ferrochrome, an alloy of chromium and Iron. This
ferrochrome can be extra refined to get pure chromium metal.
African countries with significant chromium reserves include South Africa, as it holds the
biggest reserves and is the leading producer of this metal worldwide, Zimbabwe, and
Madagascar. However, in terms of global distribution, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Finland, and
India owns major Chromium deposits.
