Chromium is a bluish silver transition metal with a melting point of 1907 degrees Celsius and oxidation states of +1,+2, +3, +4, +5, and +6. This accounts for the wide array of compounds for which it is named after. The French chemist Louis Vauquelin identified the element in the mineral crocoite in 1798.

Chromium is used in stainless steel to protect against corrosion. The reason for this is because like Aluminium, it forms a thin oxide layer that protects it from further corrosion. Chromium Picolinate has some purposes in helping the body combat diabetes.