Production of Chromium

Chromium is produced from mined minerals such as chromite. The processes used to extract chromium are similar to those of other metals. Chromium oxides can be heated with other substances such as charcoal or aluminum. Through the process of heating, the carbon or aluminum form oxides, leaving chromium in pure metal form. Pure chromium can also be produced by running an electric current through some of its compounds. These are just two ways of extracting chromium from its compounds. There are other processes to extract chromium such the Thermite Process:

Chromite and Ferrochromium can also be used directly to add chromium to other substances such as steel.