Chromium (Cr)
"Chromium, the 'Color Weaver' and 'Corrosion Crusader,' protects surfaces with an invincible, shiny shield while painting the world in vibrant hues!"
A memorable persona to anchor Cr in your mind.
7.19
Grams per cm³
1907
Celsius (°C)
189
Radius (pm)
Daily Life Link
That gleaming, tough shine on your bicycle handlebars, car parts, or super-durable kitchen sink!
Discovery & History
Year Discovered
1797
Discovered By
Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin
Origin of Name
"The name is derived from the Greek ''chroma'', meaning colour."
Technical Properties
Atomic Mass
51.996 u
Standard State
solid
Boiling Point
2671°C
Electron Configuration
[Ar] 3d54s1
1st Ionization Energy
6.767 eV
Electron Affinity
N/A
Oxidation States
"A brilliant, silvery-white metal that shines like a mirror and is incredibly hard to scratch."
Did You Know?
Its name, Chromium, comes from the Greek word 'chroma,' meaning 'color' – and boy, does it live up to it, creating some of the most vibrant compounds!
Chromium is the superstar behind the fiery red of rubies and the lush green of emeralds, adding dazzling color to these precious gemstones!
It's the secret ingredient in stainless steel, forming an invisible, super-tough oxide layer that makes steel incredibly resistant to rust and corrosion.
When you see a 'chrome' finish on car bumpers or motorcycle parts, it's usually a super-thin layer of chromium, applied for its dazzling shine and extreme durability.