chromium [Cr]

Introduction

From the Greek chroma meaning color. Discovered in 1780 by Nicolas Louis Vauquelin

Occurrence

• found naturally only in combination
• isolated mostly from chromite ore

Characteristics

• a blue-white hard, brittle metallic element
• resists oxidation in air
• chromium impurities in precious stone often responsible for colors

Uses

• trace element for humans
  • plays a role in glucose metabolism
• esp in alloys & electroplating
  • up to 18% of stainless steel
• oxides used as pigments for tanning leather & for recording tape

Pathology

• chromium is a potent contact sensitizer & may cause allergic contact dermatitis
• individuals at risk:
  • cement workers
  • metal alloy workers
  • leather tanners
  • electroplaters
• see chromium toxicity

Laboratory

• see chromium toxicity

Notes

Other sources of chromium:

• metal watchbands
• dental appliances
• tanned leather shoes

More general terms

• trace element
• metal

More specific terms

• chromium-51

Additional terms

• Cr+3 (trivalent chromium)
• periodic table

Component of

• chromium/chromium picolinate/pyridoxine
• biotin/chromium/chromium picolinate

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=23976