It finds wide use as a catalyst. The dichromates are used as oxidizing agents in quantitative analysis, also in tanning leather. Chromium compounds are used in the textile industry as mordants, and by the aircraft and other industries for anodizing aluminum. The refractory industry has found chromite useful for forming bricks and shapes, as it has a high melting point, moderate thermal expansion, and stability of crystalline structure. Many chromium compounds are toxic and should be handled with proper safeguards.
Natural chromium contains four isotopes.
Sixteen other isotopes are known. Used in coloring glass an emerald color. Other uses include organic chemical synthesis, photochemical processing and industrial water treatment. In medicine, chromium compounds are used in astringents and antiseptics. Chromium encounters many industrial applications, including its uses in steel and nonferrous alloys, metal-plating, refractory materials, chromate pigments and chromate preservatives.