It is also used in nuclear and high-temperature research. Chromium acetate, sodium chromate, and potassium chromate are used in the textile industry. Chromium phosphate, strontium chromate, calcium chromate, chromium acetate, and potassium chromate and dichromate are also used in pigments. Other uses for chromium and its compounds include organic chemical synthesis, photomechanical processing, and industrial water treatment. Chromite has not been mined in the United States since 1961.
Domestic deposits are small or of low grade.
In 1987, it was estimated that 213.4 million lb of chromium were produced, 708.4 million lb were imported, and 19.8 million lb were exported. In 1985, the United States produced 187 million lb, imported 640.2 million lb, and exported 83.6 million lb of chromium. Production of chromium in 1984 was 176 million lb and exports were 72 million lb. In 1986, 3.9 million lb of zinc chromate, reported as zinc yellow, and 39.2 million lb of lead chromate, reported as chrome yellow and orange, were produced. In 1983, production of chrome yellow and orange was 43.1 million lb and production of chrome green was 10.4 million lb.