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Chromite
Chromite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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What is Chromite? |
Chromite is an iron chromium oxide mineral and the only ore of chromium metal. It is a mineral found in ultrabaisc rocks such as peridotite. It is also found in serpentines and other metamorphic rocks derived from the alteration of ultrabasic rocks. It is a high temperature mineral often found in the lower parts of magma bodies from the fractional crystallization process. |
Uses |
Chromite is the only ore of chromium, a metal used to induce hardness, toughness and chemical resistance in steel. The alloy produced is known as "stainless steel". When alloyed with iron and nickel it produces a alloy known as "nichrome" which is resitant to high temperatures and used to make heating units, ovens and other appliances. Thin coatings of chromium alloys are used as platings on auto parts, appliances and other products and given the name "chrome plated". |
Color |
iron black to brownish black |
Streak |
dark brown |
Luster |
metallic to submetallic |
Diaphaneity |
opaque |
Cleavage |
none |
Hardness |
5.5 - 6 |
Specific Gravity |
4.1 - 5.1 |
Distinguishing
Characteristics |
luster, streak |
Crystal System |
isometric |
Chemical Classification |
oxide |
Chemical Composition |
iron chromium oxide, FeCr2O4 |
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Chromite from Shurugwi, Zimbabwe.
This specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.
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Chromite from Shurugwi, Zimbabwe.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Chromite from the Transvaal area of South Africa.
This specimen is approximately 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) across.
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Chromite from the Transvaal area of South Africa.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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More Information About Minerals!
Mineral photographs that appear on this page with a Geology.com copyright mark are property of Geology.com and may not be used beyond our website. If you like these photos and would like to share them with others please link to this page or email its URL. The photos were taken and composed by Ann Bryant.
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