History
Chrome, only ore of chromium, crystallizes in the cubic system. It ranges in color from Iron Black to Brownish Black. It occurs usually in veins and irregular masses in ultramafic rocks, especially serpentine. If may also occur as dissemination in these rocks. It is often the result of magmatic segregation. The specific gravity ranges from 4.8 to 5.6. It has a metallic to sub metallic luster and a hardness of 5.5.

Recognized Deposits In The World
Two types of deposits are known in the world ; a) The Alpine Type and b) The Statiform type. According to the accepted classification of mineral deposits, the Alpine type is the product of liquid magmatic injection and the statiform deposit is the result of liquid magmatic segregation. The first type is formed in highly deformed regions and it is this type that is represented by the known chromite deposits of Pakistan.

Deposits Of Pakistan
Mining Starts: Chromite was first discovered near Hindubagh in the Zhob Valley in 1901 by Vredenburg. Production started in 1903 and is continue to the present time.

Mining Location: Hindubagh is 75 miles to the northwest of Quetta. The exposures of the ultramafic rocks with which chromite is associated, cover large areas between Khanozai to the SW and to a point about 30 miles to the east of the town of Hindubagh ; this covers a total distance of about 55 miles.

Mining Areas: a) Jangtorghar group b) Salplaitorghar group c) Nasai group d) Khanozai group

Capacity Used: High Grade 48 – 50 % Cr2O3 produces over 10,000 tons Per Month. Whereas Low Grade 42 – 44% produces over 20,000 tons Per Month (all together above groups).

Reserve: Huge reserves, spread over 55 miles

Environmental Disability: Operating whole year

Properties
The properties of Chrome which make it of commercial value are;

• It is the only ore of Chromium
• Crystallized in Cubic System
• Occurs as Granular Aggregates, Compact Masses or as Disseminated Grains
• Metallic to Submetallic Lustre

Applications

• Refractory Bricks
• Furnace Lining
• Cutting Tools
• Projectiles
• Armour Plate
• In the manufacture of Stainless and rust proof steel
• For the production of Pigments, Dyes and Mordants
• Also used in Tanning