Chromite was mined in the US back in 1811.
Ferrochrome is used to make Chrome steel and later stainless steel, but Chrome steel is significantly older.
Chromite was mined in the US back in 1811.
Ferrochrome is used to make Chrome steel and later stainless steel, but Chrome steel is significantly older.
The kinds of chrome steel used in the 19th century were very fragile, due to high content of carbon and of other impurities.
Their possible uses were very limited in comparison with the ductile stainless steels discovered in the 20th century.
Also the chemical resistance of the first chrome steels was modest, because it was not known which is the minimum content of chromium for avoiding rusting and also their composition was not well controlled.
Chromite was being mined then for use in chemicals, particularly for tanning, IIRC.