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Chromium

One may be surprised to learn that ruby and emerald jewelry contains a little bit of chromium. The fourth transition element, it is the only metal that casts a bluish tinge along with its silvery-white look.

Chromium was discovered near the end of the 18^th century. It was named after the Greek word "chromos" because this element is responsible for the dazzling colours of its compounds. Nowadays, this element is still used as a mordant in the textile industry, in pigments, and in tanning salons.

As an additive to alloys, one of chromium's products is stainless steel. Its presence hardens the compound, provides corrosion resistance, and produces a beautiful surface.

Chromium is also a material found in fuel cells – systems that convert primary energy into electricity with high efficiency and low pollutant emissions. As such, fuel cells are valuable technology in today's world. At the National Research Council Canada (NRC), scientists are progressing in the development of next generation fuel cells.