Knowledge Structure and Frontier Evolution of Research on Chromitite: A Scientometric Review

Big data analysis can reveal the relevance, hidden patterns, and bursts of activity in data. Therefore, big data analysis has recently aroused great interest and curiosity among scientists in various fields. The powerful data organization and visualization capabilities of CiteSpace software is an effective way to achieve this goal. Chromitite is a strategic mineral resource of global importance with several industrial applications, including steel manufacturing. Research on chromitite has not only had high economic significance, but also has important scientific value. An understanding of chromitite can be used to obtain insight into the processes operating deep within the crust and mantle. However, no big-data analysis has been performed on chromitite-related publications; hence, the evolution of various views over time is unclear. The purpose of this study was to rapidly assess and summarize the development of research in the field, and to identify and briefly describe current research developments. The CiteSpace software was used to reveal research hotspots and predict future trends. The results of the co-occurrence network analysis indicate an active collaboration among current chromitite researchers, and the countries and institutions in which they are based. Hot research topics include a focus on podiform chromitite, the origin of chromitites, and the co-occurrence of platinum group elements (PGE). The main subject of current research is podiform chromitite containing ultrahigh-pressure minerals, which will help to elucidate the relationship between chromitite and the deep processes within the earth.