Chromite

Chromite is a dark iron chromium oxide mineral with the formula FeCr₂O₄. It is the principal natural ore of chromium.

Spinel group: A mineral group whose members share a cubic crystal structure and the general formula AB₂O₄. Chromite belongs to this group, whose structure accommodates iron and chromium.
Crystal structure: The ordered arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline solid. Chromite’s spinel structure governs its composition and physical properties.
Ferrochrome: An iron-chromium alloy produced by reducing chromite in a furnace. Most mined chromite is converted into this alloy for steelmaking.
Bushveld Complex: A vast layered igneous intrusion in South Africa containing major platinum-group metal and chromite deposits. Its layered chromitite seams make it the world’s largest known chromite resource.
Chromium toxicity: Harmful biological effects caused by exposure to chromium compounds, especially some chromium(VI) compounds. Processing chromite can generate toxic chromium compounds if oxidation and waste are poorly controlled.
Chromium: A chemical element with atomic number 24, used chiefly in alloys and protective coatings. Chromite is the main natural source of this element.
Magmatic segregation: The separation and concentration of minerals within cooling magma. Dense chromite crystals can accumulate into mineable layers as magma differentiates.
Stainless steel: Steel containing enough chromium to resist corrosion through a protective oxide film. Chromite-derived chromium is a key ingredient in most stainless steels.
Great Dyke: A linear layered mafic-ultramafic intrusion in Zimbabwe containing chromite and platinum-group metals. Its chromite seams illustrate ore formation in a major layered intrusion.
Hexavalent chromium: Chromium in the +6 oxidation state, found in toxic and often carcinogenic compounds. Industrial processing can convert chromium from chromite into hazardous chromium(VI).

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