Chromium is a chemical element which has the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is the first element in Group 6. It is a steely-gray, lustrous, hard and brittle metal which takes a high polish, resists tarnishing, and has a high melting point. It is also odorless and tasteless. The name of the element is derived from the Greek word “chrōma” (χρώμα), meaning colour, because many of its compounds are intensely coloured.