What are the properties of chromite?
Chromite is an oxide mineral composed of chromium, iron, and oxygen (FeCr2O4). It is dark gray to black in color with a metallic to submetallic luster and a high specific gravity….
| Physical Properties of Chromite | |
|---|---|
| Chemical Classification | Oxide |
| Cleavage | None |
| Mohs Hardness | 5.5 to 6 |
| Specific Gravity | 4.0 to 5.1 (variable) |
What is the texture of chromite?
The textures of the chromitites have been investigated by reflected light and electron microscopy. The Los Congos and Los Guanacos chromitites display massive, lobate, brecciated and disseminate textures. Commonly, the chromite grains are highly fractured and mylonitized.
Does chromite form cubic crystals?
Chromite has a isometric crystal system. This means that the axes are both equal in length and perpendicular to one another (angles are 90°). The unit cell takes on a cubic form.
What is the density of chromite?
4.5 – 5.09
Chromite Mineral Data
| General Chromite Information | |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula: | Fe++Cr2O4 |
| Color: | Black, Brownish black. |
| Density: | 4.5 – 5.09, Average = 4.79 |
| Diaphaneity: | Opaque |
Is chromite a major mineral?
Chromite is the only commercial source of chromium. It occurs as a primary mineral of ultrabasic igneous rocks and is normally associated with peridotite, pyroxenite, dunite and serpentinite.
What is chromite sand?
Chromite Sand is a naturally occurring spinel consisting primarily of the oxides of chrome and iron. It is a by-product of ferro-chrome production and is mainly used in foundry applications and in glass production.
How is chromite ore mined?
Mining of chromite is carried out by open-pit and underground mining. Whereas open-pit mining is generally applied to podiform deposits, underground mining is applied to stratiform deposits.
What is the percent composition of chromite?
Chromite Mineral Data
| General Chromite Information | |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula: | Fe++Cr2O4 |
| Composition: | Molecular Weight = 223.84 gm |
| Chromium 46.46 % Cr 67.90 % Cr2O3 | |
| Iron 24.95 % Fe 32.10 % FeO |
How does chromite affect the environment?
Chromite ore mining and concentrating produces dust, overburden, waste rock, tailings and tailings water. Ferrochrome production creates air pollution, dust, slag (waste produced during ferrochrome separation from ore) and process water.
What is chromite mining?
Chromite occurs as a primary accessory mineral in basic and ultrabasic igneous rocks. Economic deposits form by crystallisation of chromite from a cooling magma, resulting in large stratiform deposits or smaller pod-like deposits.