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- A chemical element, symbol Cr, atomic number
- 24, relative atomic mass 52.01. It is a
- bluish-white metal capable of taking a high
- polish, and with a high melting-point. It is
- used decoratively and, alloyed with nickel,
- for electrical heating wires. Resistant to
- abrasion and corrosion, it is used to harden
- steel, and is a constituent of stainless
- steel and many other useful alloys. It is
- used extensively in chromium plating and as a
- catalyst. Compounds include sodium and
- potassium chromates and dichromates (for
- tanning leather), and potassium and ammonium
- chrome alums. It occurs chiefly as
- chrome-iron ore. The USSR, Zimbabwe, and
- Brazil are sources.
-