Properties of Chromite

Chromite is a mineral that is an iron chromium oxide with the chemical formula (FeCr₂O₄). It is the only ore of chromium, an essential element used in the production of stainless steel, alloys, and various industrial applications.

Image of chromite mineral — Credit: John Sobolewski (JSS), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of chromite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Chromite Properties
Physical Properties	Metric
Chemical Formula	FeCr₂O₄
Molar Mass	223.83 g/mol
Crystal System	Cubic
Mohs Hardness	5.5
Density	5090 kg/m³
Color	Black or brownish black
Diaphaneity	Opaque
Luster	Metallic
Cleavage	None
Fracture	Uneven to conchoidal
Streak	Brown
Thermal Properties	Metric
Thermal Conductivity	1.7 - 2 W/m·K
Optical Properties	Metric
Refractive Index (n_D)	2.16

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.