PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Chromium is a hard, steel grey metal.
Chromium was discovered by Louis Nicolas Vauquelin in 1797. The element was found in Germany, embedded in Siberian red lead.
Chromium is a metal in the transition metal category. It can be located in group 6, period 4.
Chromium got its name from the Greek word "chroma", meaning "color". Chromium compounds can form many different colors. The symbol of this element is "Cr", being a shortened version of chroma.
Chromium has quite a few common uses, as it can create a shiny, silver surface that doesn't corrode. It is used for making stainless steel surface as an alloy, and it can be used for plating other surfaces. Chromium is often used as a catalyst.
Chromium can combine with sodium and potassium, but compounds with chromium are potentially toxic and should be handled carefully. Chromium found in ruby and emerald ores give it their red and green hues.
Chromium is an essential dietary element, assisting in glucose, protein, and fat metabolisms; although we are exposed to very little amounts [0.2-0.4 micrograms daily]. Chromium in large amounts can be toxic.
Inhaling chromium [from smaller particles in the air/ chromium found in aerosols] can cause an increased risk of lung cancer, and it is found that animals that have inhaled chromium over a period of time develop lung tumors.
