chromium
Hard, brittle, grey-white, metallic element, atomic number 24, relative atomic mass 51.996. It takes a high polish, has a high melting point, and is very resistant to corrosion. It is used in chromium electroplating, in the manufacture of stainless steel and other alloys, and as a catalyst. Its compounds are used for tanning leather and for alums. In human nutrition it is a vital trace element. In nature, it occurs chiefly as chrome iron ore or chromite (FeCr2O4). Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil are sources.
The element was named in 1797 by the French chemist Louis Vauquelin after its brightly coloured compounds.
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