mineral tanning

chemical treatment

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Mineral tanning is a method of treating animal skins to convert them into leather. This process involves impregnating the hide with metallic salts, such as chromium sulfate. This chemical treatment replaces water within the protein fibers of the skin and helps to bind them together.12

Mineral tanning is one of the primary methods used in the leather industry, alongside vegetable tanning (using plant-based tannins) and oil tanning. The use of chromium salts for tanning was a significant chemical advancement in leather production, introduced in the late 19th century.2

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leather
Modern leather making
Mineral tanning, which uses mineral salts, produces a soft, pliable leather and is the preferred method for producing most light leathers. Use of this method can shorten the tanning period to days or even hours. Chromium salt is the most widely used mineral agent, but…
Read More
Mineral tanning, which uses mineral salts, produces a soft, pliable leather and is the preferred method for producing most light leathers. Use of this method can shorten the tanning period to days or even hours. Chromium salt is the most widely used mineral agent, but…
Read More