Chromite
Chromite is a crystalline mineral composed primarily of iron(II) oxide and chromium(III) oxide compounds. It can be represented by the chemical formula of FeCr2O4. It is an oxide mineral belonging to the spinel group. The element magnesium can substitute for iron in variable amounts as it forms a solid solution with magnesiochromite (MgCr2O4).[6] A substitution of the element aluminum can also occur, leading to hercynite (FeAl2O4).[7] Chromite today is mined particularly to make stainless steel through the production of ferrochrome (FeCr), which is an iron-chromium alloy.
Chromite grains are commonly found in large mafic igneous intrusions such as the Bushveld in South Africa and India. Chromite is iron-black in color with a metallic luster, a dark brown streak and a hardness on the Mohs scale of 5.5
Report of Analysis
(By SGS Pakistan Pvt. LTD)
Industrial Use
Used to harden steel, to manufacture stainless steel and to form alloys. Used in plating to produce a hard, beautiful surface and to prevent corrosion. Used to give glass an emerald green colour.
The chromite mineral has economic significance in ni chrome, paint industry, stainless steel, and refractory lining.