Chromite - FeCr₂O₄

Habit: Crystals octahedral, commonly fine granular, compact, massive. Translucent to opaque, Metallic to subMetallic Luster.

Environment: Chromite is most commonly found as an accessory mineral in ultramafic igneous rocks, or concentrated in sediments derived from them. In a few ultramafic bodies, it occurs as layers and are the most important ores of chromium.

Etymology: Named for the composition.

An important ore of chromium. Chromium is alloyed with iron in the steel industry to manufacture stainless steel. It was discovered that by adding chromium to iron, steel could be made highly resistant to corrosion and discoloration. It is also used for chrome plating.