Chromium (Cr)

Chromium was derived from the Greek word chrōma, meaning color and so named due to the intense color of many of its compounds. Chromium oxide has been found on the weapon tips of the Terracotta Army in China dating back to the 3rd century B.C. Louis Nicolas Vauquelin first isolated chromium metal in 1797 from the bright hyacinth-red, lustrous crystalline mineral called crocoite and was credited with the discovery of this element.  Essentially all chromium is produced from the ore chromite with the major producers being South Africa, Kazakhstan, India, Russia, and Turkey. Chromium is a very hard and corrosion resistant metal and also has a very high melting point. About 85% of its commercial use is in the production of stainless steel and chrome plating. The brilliant colors of its compounds are used in various dyes and pigments. Trace amounts of chromium is found naturally in rubies and emeralds and so it is also used in synthetic ruby production. Chromium salts are used as a wood preservative and to tan leather. Chromium is used in blast furnaces and other high temperature applications as a refractory material and is also used as a chemical catalyst.

Inscribed on our ingots are the chemical symbol (Cr), purity (99.9%), weight (one troy ounce), and a serial number (this number is unique and will vary). On the reverse is our logo. These ingots are lightly polished, similar to the one pictured. There can be tiny edge dings, light surface scratches, light edge grooves and other small imperfections. Weight and purity are guaranteed by Rare World Metals Mint. As we suggest with all of our metals please keep them intact in a safe place, do not ingest, and keep out of the reach of children. 

Each ingot will be shipped with an assay certificate and every shipment will include our velvet logo bag. If you are not completely satisfied with any purchase from us, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund (buyer to pay return shipping). Domestic shipping is free for all orders over $99 (enter code free shipping at checkout). For orders of $99 or under, domestic shipping is $9.95. International shipping is via DHL, FedEx, or USPS international express and costs $45 for shipments up to a pound (9 one ounce ingots or less including packaging materials) and $10 for each additional pound. International customers please be aware that your country may levy import duties and/or VAT taxes on your purchase from us. We have nothing to do with this and cannot pay it for you. If you refuse our package because of this extra cost we will take it back and will refund your order in full once received minus the cost of the return shipping. If you are unsure what these import costs will be please check with your country's customs office. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromium

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abundance_of_elements_in_Earth%27s_crust

http://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/riskList.html

http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/chromium/