Description
Chromite is a mineral that contains chromium, iron, and oxygen, with varying amounts of magnesium and aluminum, and has a high specific density. Its chemical formula is (Fe,Mg)O*(Cr,Fe,Al)2O3. Particularly chrome ores, out of which foundry grade chromite sand can be made, are only found in the Bushveld Complex in South Africa.
Chromite sand is usually dark gray to black with a slight metallic appearance.
Applications and Markets
Foundry grade chromite sand is widely used in various industries, including foundry, steel, and refractory.
Its unique properties such as: high melting point, thermal shock resistance and low thermal expansion make it straightaway the best casting sand and core sand for iron and steel foundries.
Secondly, it works well in ladle filler sands (also called filler sand or sliding gate mix or plugging sand) to prevent molten steel from contacting the mechanism that controls the opening system of sliding gate of the ladle.
Additionally, it is suitable for use in refractories such as chrome-magnesite and chrome-corundum bricks.