Understanding mineral deposits. Chromite deposits / Понимание рудных месторождений. Месторождения хромита

Chromite deposits constitute the only primary source of chromium metal; in addition they record a remarkable phenomenon in the overall process of concentration by magmatic crystallization. Extensive literature exists on both aspects of chromite deposits. The readers are particularly referred to the review articles by Duke (1983) and Stowe (1994), and a book edited by Stowe (1987a).
Chromite is the only ore mineral of chromium, a metal in demand for its alloying and refractory properties. It is normally marketed, according to usage, under three categories (Stow 1987a): (a) metallurgical ore (commonly Cr203 >40% and Cr:Fe ratio >2.2), which is smelted to produce ferrochrome or ferro-silicochrome for addition to the furnace charge for the manufacture of special steels, including stainless steel (commonly containing 18% Cr, 8% Ni, and 74% Fe); (b) Chemical ore (CrP3 >42%), the raw material for the production of Cr-chemicals used in a variety of applications such as paints and electroplating; and (c) refractory ore (Si02 <10%, AI20 3>20%, CrP3 + AIP3 >60%), used for foundry molding sands and furnace-lining briquettes. <...>