Chromium APEX Mineral

Chromium (Cr #24) is the next element on the periodic table for my APEX mineral collection. 

Wikipedia Chromium

Chromium Minerals - There are lots of Chromium minerals.

Chromite (Fe2+Cr2O4) with 46% Chromium is the obvious APEX Mineral.  It sure has the correct name!  Nearly all Chromium is extracted from this mineral.

Native Chromium is extremely rare but it does exist.  Chromium is the hardest of all elements.  

Chinese bronze weapons from the 3rd century B.C. have little corrosion.  They are coated with a thin layer of Chromium Oxide.

Chromium + Iron = Stainless Steel.  Chromium is used to strengthen alloys and prevent oxidation.

Chromium is possibly required for sugar and lipid metabolism.  In larger amounts and in different forms, chromium can be toxic and carcinogenic.