Chromite sand is a versatile material with several industrial applications, primarily due to its high melting point, thermal stability, and resistance to thermal shock. Here are the key applications of chromite sand:

1. Foundry (Metal Casting)
Mold and Core Making: Chromite sand is used in foundries to create molds and cores for casting ferrous and non-ferrous metals (e.g., steel, iron, aluminum, and copper alloys).

High-Temperature Resistance: Its high melting point (~2,180°C) makes it ideal for casting large and heavy steel components.

Low Thermal Expansion: Reduces metal penetration and veining defects in castings.

Pouring Cups and Sleeves: Used in ladles and gating systems to handle molten metal flow.

2. Refractory Industry
Lining Material: Used in furnaces, ladles, and kilns due to its resistance to slag and chemical corrosion.

Magnesia-Chrome Bricks: Chromite is a key component in refractory bricks for steelmaking furnaces.

3. Glass Manufacturing
Glass Tank Furnaces: Chromite sand is used in refractory linings to withstand high temperatures and corrosive glass melts.

4. Welding & Brazing
Flux Coatings: Used in welding electrodes to stabilize the arc and improve weld quality.

5. Ceramics & Pigments
Coloring Agent: Chromite is used in ceramic glazes and pigments (e.g., chrome green, black).

Abrasive Blasting: Occasionally used in sandblasting due to its hardness.

6. Chemical Industry
Chromium Compounds: Source material for producing sodium dichromate, chromium sulfate, and other chemicals.

7. Oil & Gas (Fracking)
Proppant: Sometimes used in hydraulic fracturing to hold open fractures in rock formations (though less common than silica or ceramic proppants).

Advantages of Chromite Sand:
High thermal conductivity

Excellent resistance to metal penetration

Good chilling properties (reduces casting defects)

Chemically inert to molten metals