Applications of Chromium

Chromium has many applications. It has been used in dyes to act as a mordant, which will permanently fix dyes to different fabrics. Chromium has also been used in paints as pigments. This is because chromium exhibits many different colors including; black, gray, green, blue, violet, orange, yellow and red, depending on the compound. Chromium is used as an additive to stainless steel, giving the steel its "stainless" property. Because chromium is self-passivating, it will add a protective layer to the steel. It also acts to harden the steel. Stainless steel containing chromium is a very useful alloy and is used in safes, ball bearings, and surgical tools.

Chrome plating is another application of chromium's self passivation. Metals and other substances are chrome plated to add a protective and attractive outer coat. Chromium metal can be polished to a high shine which will make the metal more attractive. The magnetic properties of chromium make it perfect for magnetic tapes. Chromium dioxide is used in recording tapes. Potassium dichromate has been used in the tanning of leather. Small trace quantities of chromium have been found in semiprecious stones including: rubies, sapphires, emeralds, serpentine and jade. Chromium is also used to line ovens and molds because of its high melting point. This element is even found in the human body. Chromium is common in small quantities in the body and has been connected to the body's use of sugar. It is commonly found in foods such as romaine lettuce, onions and tomatoes. A deficiency of chromium leads to symptoms that are commonly seen in diabetics. Although chromium is good in small quantities, larger quantities of chromium can be extremely harmful to humans.