Chrome metal is a steely-grey, lustrous, hard, and brittle transition metal with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is valued for its high corrosion resistance and hardness. Chromium is also greatly valued as a metal that is able to be highly polished while resisting tarnishing. Here are some common uses of chrome metal:

• Stainless steel: A major development in steel production was the discovery that steel could be made highly resistant to corrosion and discoloration by adding metallic chromium to form stainless steel. Stainless steel and chrome plating together comprise 85% of the commercial use of chromium.

• Chrome plating: Chrome plating is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. It can be used to provide corrosion resistance, facilitate cleaning, and enhance appearance. Decorative chrome plating is often used on car parts, tools, and kitchen utensils, while hard chrome plating is used to reduce friction, improve durability, and restore worn parts to their original dimensions.

• Pigments: Chromium oxides are used as green pigments in glassmaking and as a glaze for ceramics.

Its important to note that chrome plating is not the same as stainless steel. Stainless steel is a metal alloy without plating, containing nickel and at least 10.5% chromium to make it more durable, while chrome plating is overlaid on a metal core and consists completely of chromium. Stainless steel is more durable than chrome and is often used in environments that need high strength, low cost, and resistance to corrosion, like in cookware, cutlery, and industrial appliances.