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Chromium is found in the center of the periodic table, a chart that shows how chemical elements are related to each other. Elements in Groups 3 through 12 are known as the transition metals. These elements all have similar physical and chemical properties. They have a bright, shiny surface and high melting points.
Chromium was discovered in 1797 by French chemist Louis- Nicolas Vauquelin (1763-1829). The name comes from the Greek word chroma, meaning "color," because chromium compounds are many different colors.
About three-quarters of chromium produced today is used in alloys, including stainless steel. An alloy is made by melting and mixing two or more metals. The mixture has different properties than the individual metals. Chromium is also used to cover the surface of other metals. This technique protects the base metal and gives the surface a bright, shiny appearance at a low cost.
Chromium was discovered in a mineral known as Siberian red lead. The mineral was first described in 1766 by German mineralogist Johann Gottlob Lehmann (1719-67). Scientists were puzzled about what elements this new mineral contained.
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