Chrome
![]() |
Chrome is short for chromium (Cr), which is a hard grey metal that can be polished to a high sheen. It has a high melting point, and originates from Chromite, which is the only ore in which chromium is found.
In 2020 South Africa was by far the highest global exporter of chromium ore or chromite, followed by Turkey, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Albania. It is estimated that 99 percent of the world's chromite is found in southern Africa and Zimbabwe, enough to supply the current demand for hundreds of years. Podiform deposits of chromium ore are open-pit mined whilst stratiform deposits and mined underground.
Chromium can be released into the environment by the burning of natural gas, oil, or coal as well as dust pollution from mining and smelting. It does not usually remain in the atmosphere, but is deposited into soil and water where it can change from one form to another and cause damage to marine life. Chrome can be recycled but not easily and chrome plating of aluminium complicates the recycling process for aluminium, though stainless steel scrap metal is generally recycled.
It is an important and indispensable industrial metal because it is hard as well as resistant to corrosion. It is used in the production of stainless and heat resistant (SHR) steels, where often about 18% is chromium, in nonferrous alloys as well as in the creation pigments and chemicals that are used to process leather.
In general its most commonly recognisable use is in kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, medical and dental tools as well as vehicle fittings such as trims and hubcaps. Chromium in super-alloys (high-performance alloys) are stable at high stress-temperatures, as is Chromite which is used in blast furnaces and brick moulds because it retains strength at high temperature.
Chromium is also important for health. Organ meats, mushrooms, wheat germ, and broccoli are good dietary sources of chromium. Insufficient chromium in the body can result in glucose intolerance.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Cast iron.
- Concrete-steel composite structures.
- Constructing steel buildings.
- Corrosion.
- Decorative metal ceilings.
- Failure of metals.
- Galvanised steel.
- Guidance for construction quality management professionals: Structural Steelwork.
- Metal.
- Mesh mould metal.
- Stainless steel.
- Stainless steel vs. galvanised steel.
- Steel.
- Structural steelwork.
- Sustainable materials.
- Types of steel.
- Weathering steel.
- Zinc
Featured articles and news
Walter Segal: self-built architect
A definitive book on a pioneer of green architecture.
Funding for heritage on the high street
Using heritage as a catalyst for reviving historic centres.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting update.
Declaration prioritising sustainable urbanisation adopted.
A small hidden, often distant but key building component.
Some brief words about the actuator.
CIAT Chief Executive steps down.
After 34 years at the Institute.
Volunteer opportunity launched by the ICE
To support the next generation of engineers.
Provisional findings show illegal cartels in the industry.
CIAT reporting from the Competition and Markets Authority.
Making sustainable construction number one priority.
The future of construction report.
Interview with ECA CEO.
Many provisions came into force on June 28, 2022.
With room to expand.
An information packed session at the BSRIA conference.
Refurbishment, Energy Efficiency, Indoor air and process.
Considering building acoustics with the AT Journal.
Why building acoustic considerations must be non-negotiable.
Create a profile, write informed product articles and share.
Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) is one example.
Top 50 Women in engineering 2022.
Inventors and innovators at ICE.
Life, death and art at the Stuart court. Book review.
Real estate, place adaptation and innovation.
Review and comment on the revised draft before July 11.
We are indeed now 10 years old, so go on and be bold !
Write about something you know, help us build and grow !
IHBC's 25th anniversary 2022 Aberdeen School.
A blended event and triumphant return.
New Construction Leadership Council Co-Chair selected.
Mark Reynolds succeeds Andy Mitchell as Co-Chair of CLC
Designing Buildings is 10 years old.
Types of work to existing buildings.
From alteration to deconstruction on DB.