Hexagonal Chromium Crystals from Fused Electrolytes

THE meaning of the hexagonal structure sometimes observed in chromium electroplates has been the subject of considerable study. The present communication is to record some observations on chromium produced by electro-refining in fused-salt baths. The particular bath used in the production of the chromium described here consisted of sodium chloride, chromium chlorides, and dissolved metallic sodium at 800° C. The cathode deposit consisted of a layer of fine crystals in salt and coarse idiomorphic chromium crystals attached to them.