Chromite is a mineral used in industry as a source of chromium. Alloying of steel, the main metal of modern technology, requires the introduction of chromium into the alloy. Certain types of stainless steel, smelted with the addition of chromium, end up in jewelry workshops. One of the main consumers of chromium - and, accordingly, ore chromite - is the defense industry. Armor plates of military equipment contain chromium!
The discovery was made by the works of Peter Ivanovich Meder, at that time a teacher at the St. Petersburg Mining School. Analyzing the finds made earlier on the banks of the Ural River Vyazga, P. I. Meder discovered a dense, dull gleaming mineral with a characteristic metallic sheen. When interacting with laboratory reagents, the mineral gave, among other things, chromic acid.
Considering the nondescript stone to be a natural ore of chromium, Meder named the mineral "Eisenchrome", that is, chromium iron ore. It happened in 1798. Half a century later, in 1845, Wilhelm Haidinger renamed eisenchrom to "chromite". The name stuck.
In the chemical aspect chromite is iron oxide of chromium with the formula FeCr2O4. It is a compound of iron oxide FeO and chrome green Cr2O3. In terrestrial nature, pure chromite is practically not found, however, pure chromite is sometimes found in metallic ones. Together with magnesiochromite MgCr2O4, it is included in the isomorphic series of chrome spinels (Fe,Mg)(Cr,Al,Fe)2O4.
In the jewelry industry, crystalline chromite is not used, however, chrome garnets, sometimes found in ores, arrive at cutting workshops without delay. Contain chromite rocks and some metals
Chromite - industrial stone
The mineral chromite belongs to the isomorphic series of chrome spinels, which also includes magnetite and spinel. Properties:
The mineral chromite was discovered in 1845 and named so because of its chromium content. A synonym is chromium iron ore.
The origin of chromium iron ore is igneous. It is formed in ultramafic rocks in granular masses, small black crystals-octahedrons are occasionally found, large crystals are even more rare. The companion minerals are often olivine, serpentine, garnets, and platinum.
The ore producing countries are Turkey, Zimbabwe, South Africa, India, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Finland, Russia, Albania, Cuba.
The scope of the chromite mineral is, without exaggeration, huge. First of all, chromium is obtained from it, which is used:
Low-quality stones are used in the manufacture of refractory bricks.
Chromite minerals due to the properties of fire resistance, low thermal expansion, heat resistance are excellent stones for baths. They are non-toxic and do not react with water, so heavy metals do not get into the air.
The magical and lithotherapeutic properties of the mineral have not yet been fully studied, so it is used very little in these areas. It is only known that chromite is a stone of magicians, and ignorant people need to be very careful with it, since the mineral can both help and harm.
Chromite is a stone so valuable and significant in industry and construction that even its name is used in the names of large enterprises, for example, Khromitmontazh. This way you can emphasize the seriousness, competence and capacity of production.
Stones and minerals and semi-precious stones of the world
Spinels (oxides): Chromite
Diagnostic card.
On the picture. Rare chromite crystals from Rio Creves (Italy)
FeCr2O4
Syngony cubic
Hardness 5.5
Specific gravity 4.5-4.8
No cleavage
Fracture irregular, conchoidal
Black colour
Color in powder brown
Luster semi-metallic
Chromite (chromium iron ore) is an oxide of iron and chromium with constant impurities of Mg, Al, sometimes Ti, Mn, V. Metallic luster, opaque. Color black, brownish black. The line is brown. The fracture is conchoidal, brittle. Cleavage is absent. Chromite deposits are genetically related to ultramafic igneous rocks (dunites, etc.). Crystals (cubic syngony) are rare, often dense, granular masses. The most important ore of chromium. Deposits: in Turkey, Greece, CIS, Zimbabwe, Cuba, South Africa.
It is named after the chemical element it contains. A typical mineral of ultrabasic igneous rocks. Chromite is an oxide of iron and chromium. If it does not contain other elements, the chromium content is more than 50%. In fact, it almost always contains some magnesium and aluminum. The mineral crystallizes in cubic syngony; but its showy crystals (usually small octahedrons, black and opaque) are extremely rare. Mostly massive granular accumulations are found. The luster is semi-metallic, the color in the powder is brown. Cleavage is absent, the mineral is brittle, hard, heavy.
diagnostic signs.
The brown color in the powder and the fact that chromite exhibits weak magnetic properties distinguish it from magnetite. The latter also has a black powder color, and its dust particles are easily attracted by a magnet.
Origin.
Chromite is characteristic of a number of igneous intrusive rocks rich in olivine. These are peridotites and dunites, which are separated from the main magma in the early stages of its crystallization. This phenomenon is called "magmatic segregation". Chromite is also found in serpentinized rocks formed by the transformation of igneous rocks. In addition, as a result of weathering and destruction of chromite-containing rocks, the mineral can accumulate in deposits of the alluvial type, the so-called placers.
Place of Birth.
Large deposits are being actively developed in Turkey, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the Philippines. Finally, chromite is being mined in Macedonia and Albania (the Kukosh zone).
Application.
Chromite is the main ore mineral for the production of chromium, which is needed primarily for the manufacture of some stainless steels and hard alloys used in metalworking, which suggests the presence of characteristics such as brilliance, polishing and non-corrosion.
Chromite. Ural, Russia. Photo: A.A. Evseev.
Chromium- a vital element that in the human body activates the enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates; in the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and proteins (of which the human body consists). Chromium regulates blood sugar levels, increases insulin activity, people with high levels of chromium in the body are less prone to diabetes and atherosclerosis. It affects the processes of hematopoiesis and the breakdown of fat, promotes the resorption of atherosclerotic plaques (acrylic), lowers cholesterol on the walls of the aorta, protects myocardial proteins from destruction. A supply of chromium helps to overcome stress.
Chromium levels decrease in women during pregnancy and after childbirth. This chromium deficiency may explain gestational diabetes, although this is hardly the only cause. Chromium deficiency in the body, in addition to increasing the level of glucose in the blood, leads to an increase in the concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood plasma and, finally, to atherosclerosis. Chromium compounds enter the body with food, water and air.
The bioavailability of chromium from inorganic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract is low, only 0.5-1%, but it increases to 20-25% with the introduction of chromium in the form of complex compounds (picolinate, asparaginate). Hexavalent chromium is absorbed 3-5 times better than trivalent chromium. Dietary factors influence the bioavailability of chromium. Thus, the absorption of chromium increases in the presence of oxalates and decreases in iron deficiency. Absorption is influenced by physiological factors such as exercise or aging.
Chromium improves muscle tone, performance and physical strength. It helps lovers of weightlifting and bodybuilding build muscle (cell volume, retain water in the body) and improve strength endurance. The lack of chromium leads to growth retardation, causes neuropathy and disruption of higher nervous activity (brain), reduces the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa (in men). Sugar abuse increases the need for chromium and its loss in the urine. Zinc and iron in the form of chelating compounds can act as chromium synergists. Chromium is necessary: for diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis.
Signs of chromium deficiency. Anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, neuralgia and reduced sensitivity of the limbs, impaired muscle coordination, trembling in the limbs, glucose intolerance (especially in diabetics and in middle-aged and elderly people), changes in blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia), increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus, inadequate metabolism of amino acids, increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood (increased risk of developing atherosclerosis), increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, changes in body weight (weight loss, obesity), impaired reproductive function in men. Now chromium deficiency is quite common. Chromium deficiency can develop in people consuming diets high in simple carbohydrates (mental work of the brain, computer work).
Chromium affects lipid metabolism, causing the breakdown of excess fat in the body, which leads to the normalization of body weight and prevents obesity. The effect of chromium on lipid metabolism is also mediated by its regulatory effect on insulin function. Given the above, chromium is of great importance for the prevention of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Chromium improves muscle tone, performance and physical strength. It helps weightlifting and bodybuilding enthusiasts build muscle and improve strength endurance.
Chromium is necessary: for diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis. Chromium deficiency leads to growth retardation, causes neuropathy and disruption of higher nervous activity (nerve activity of nerve trunks from the brain), reduces the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa. It must be emphasized that the abuse of sugar increases the need for chromium and its loss in the urine. With a deficiency of chromium, the ability to include 4 amino acids (glycine, serine, methionine and aminobutyric acid) into the heart muscle is impaired.
An excess of chromium in the body can lead to a significant impairment of human health. Despite the fact that chromium is a vital element, chromium compounds are highly toxic when ingested in excess. The main manifestations of excess chromium: inflammatory diseases with a tendency to damage the mucous membranes (perforation of the nasal septum), allergic diseases, in particular asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma; dermatitis and eczema; astheno-neurotic disorders, increased risk of cancer.
In the form of a natural complex, chromium is present in brewer's yeast, and in this form it is absorbed almost completely. When taken orally in the form of mineral salt, only 3% is absorbed. A catalyst for the breakdown of sugar (fuel for the brain), a lack of chromium in the body is a disease of manual workers. Absorption of chromium increases in the presence of oxalates and decreases in iron deficiency. Assimilated chromium is excreted from the body through the kidneys (80%) and to a lesser extent through the lungs, skin and intestines (about 19%). Absorbed inorganic trivalent chromium is excreted by the kidneys, in small amounts - with falling hair, sweat and bile. Large amounts of chromium may be lost in the bile.
Food sources of chromium: beer, brewer's yeast; cheese, dairy products; meat, veal liver; eggs; mushrooms (champignons, porcini mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, chanterelles, boletus, mushrooms); vegetables: potatoes (especially with skins), white cabbage, hot peppers (chili), sweet peppers, radishes, beets, tomatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic; greens: green onions, chives, parsley, rhubarb (petioles), arugula, dill, garlic greens, spinach; legumes and cereals: beans, peas, corn, oats, millet, soft wheat, durum wheat, rye and other whole grains, beans, lentils, barley; black pepper; fruits: quince, pineapple, cherries, figs, viburnum, sea buckthorn, peaches, feijoa, persimmons, cherries, blueberries, mulberries; dried fruits: raisins, dried figs, dried apricots, dates, prunes; nuts and seeds: peanuts, sesame, poppy, macadamia, almonds, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds (garmelon), pistachios, hazelnuts (hazelnut); vegetable oils: corn oil, olive oil; red algae (in cinnabar). In the form of a natural complex, chromium is present in brewer's yeast, and in this form it is absorbed almost completely. When taken orally in the form of mineral salt, it is absorbed by 3%. To reduce chromium deficiency, avoid sugar, sodas, candy, refined white flour products, dry cereals sweetened with sugar substitutes. With excessive consumption of sugar, the loss of chromium in the urine increases, and the need for it increases.
ADR 5.1
Substances that are oxidized
Risk of violent reaction, fire or explosion on contact with flammable or flammable substances
Do not mix cargo with flammable or combustible substances (e.g. sawdust)
Yellow rhombus, ADR number, black flame over circle
ADR 8
Corrosive (caustic) substances
Risk of burns due to skin corrosion. They can react violently with each other (components), with water and other substances. Spilled/scattered material may release corrosive vapours.
Hazardous to the aquatic environment or the sewerage system
White upper half of the rhombus, black - lower, equal in size, ADR number, test tubes, hands
| Name of especially dangerous cargo during transportation | Number UN | Class ADR |
| Chromium nitrate, see CHROME (III) NITRATE | 2720 | 5.1 |
| Chromium trifluoride, see CHROME FLUORIDE, SOLID | 1756 | 8 |
| Chromyl chloride see CHROME OXYCHLORIDE | 1758 | 8 |
| CHROME (III) NITRATE | 2720 | 5.1 |
| CHROME (III) basic sulfate | 2923 | 8 |
| CHROME nitrate see CHROME (III) NITRATE | 2720 | 5.1 |
| CHROME OXYCHLORIDE | 1758 | 8 |
| CHROME TRIOXIDE ANHYDROUS | 1463 | 5.1 |
| CHROME FLUORIDE, SOLID | 1756 | 8 |
| CHROME FLUORIDE SOLUTION | 1757 | 8 |
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The mineral belongs to the class of oxides and is an oxide of iron with chromium. It is sometimes referred to as chrome ironstone. Chromite stone has studied properties, meaning, but does not affect various signs of the Zodiac.
Chemical formula FeO Cr2O3.
In nature, Chromite can be found in the form of continuous granular masses or inclusions. In rare cases, chromite occurs in the form of placers. The color scheme of most specimens is iron black or brown. In appearance, chromite is confused with magnetic iron ore. But the first one has a brown color, and the samples have a weak magnetism. Chromite is classified as a distant relative of spinel, a group of chrome spinels. It includes 20 stones and their varieties.
To date, pure mineral without various impurities is found only in meteorite samples. Usually, different elements are found in its composition. The stone is resistant to acids.
| Description | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Typical impurities | Mg,Mn,Zn,Al,Ti |
| Molecular weight | 223.84 |
| Dash color | Brown |
| Shine | Metal |
| Hardness | 10.01.1900 |
| Microhardness | VHN100=1278 - 1456 kg/mm2 |
| kink | Uneven |
| Strength | Fragile |
| A type | isotropic |
| Maximum birefringence | δ = 0.000 - isotropic, does not have birefringence |
| Cell Options | a = 8.344Å |
| Syngony | cubic |
| Unit cell volume | V 580.93 ų |
We can safely say that the stone has a magmatic origin and is formed with platinum during the cooling and solidification of magma during tectonic processes. May occur in clusters, veins in ultramafic igneous strata and placers. Often the companions of the mineral are platinum, dolomite, talc.
Russia is the world supplier of chromium. There are also deposits in Kazakhstan, South Africa, Turkey and the Philippines.
For the first time the stone was discovered on the territory of the Southern Urals. This event was captured by P. Meder in 1799. The description of the mineral occurred in 1845 by the Austrian mineralogist Wilhelm von Haidinger.
In old villages, the local population calls the stone "bath" and uses it for its intended purpose. In the process of research, chromite, which is present in the stones, has a non-toxic form. Even when heated, various harmful elements are not released into the air, therefore it is ideal for baths and saunas. Due to its high melting point, Chromite does not crack due to temperature fluctuations.
Modern lithotherapists work little with this stone, because its effect on the human body is little studied. But in general, its energy helps to cope with colds. In particular, they give the body endurance and strength to continue doing the usual things during an illness.
This aspect has not been fully explored either. It simultaneously attracts good luck and destroys family ties. Therefore, it is not suitable as a talisman.
It does not affect the Zodiac signs either. Chromite is a stone whose energy can only be controlled by strong magicians.
Chromite is a fairly common mineral belonging to the spinel group and a subclass of complex oxides. It is the extreme member of the isomorphic series of variable composition magnesiochromite - chromite. The name was given according to its composition. In 1945, it was first discovered in southern France. The chemical formula is FeCrO4. Magnesium, aluminum are typical mineral impurities. Sometimes titanium and manganese impurities may be present in the composition. Magnesium analogue of chromite is magnesiochromite - MgCrO4. and chromite - characteristic impurities of magnesiochromite, which are isomorphic with each other.
In rocks of ultramafic composition, chromite occurs in the form of rounded grains or continuous granular masses and is very rarely found in the form of small octahedral crystals. The crystallization of the mineral occurs in the cubic syngony. Chromite is black in color. Sometimes it is brownish black. Hardness - 5.5-7.5; specific gravity - 4.2 - 4.8. The line is brown. The break is uneven. Fragile. The mineral has a metallic luster. There is a lack of cleavage. Weak magnetic properties are characteristic. When combined with acids, it does not dissolve.
The formation of chromite occurs during the magmatic process. The mineral is formed in rocks of ultramafic composition, where it is found together with , and . Chromite is resistant to weathering, so it is often found in placers. However, in countries where the climate is hot, as well as during the process of serpentization, it oxidizes and breaks down. In Russia, chromite is mined in the Southern Urals and Yakutia. Abroad, mineral deposits are found in Turkey, Finland, Albania, India, South Africa, and Cuba.
Chromite is the main mineral of the chromium ores used in the production of ferrochromium. Ferrochrome is widely used in high-quality metallurgy. Low-grade chromium ores are used to make refractory bricks.
In jewelry, chromium is used in alloys as a ligature. It is coated with metal jewelry to avoid corrosion and give a beautiful appearance. This plating process is called chromium plating. Well-formed crystals of the mineral, which are very rare, are of particular interest to collectors.
