Chromia is a relational blockchain — the first blockchain to use a relational database model (similar to PostgreSQL) instead of key-value stores used by most blockchains. This means developers can query blockchain data using SQL-like syntax, making it dramatically easier for the millions of developers who already know relational databases to build blockchain applications. Chromia targets gaming and social applications where complex data relationships are common — player inventories, social graphs, and game state are naturally relational.
Henrik Hjelte and Alex Mizrahi founded Chromia (originally Chromaway) building on experience with the Postchain framework. The relational blockchain concept was developed to address the data modeling limitations of existing blockchains. Games and social platforms were identified as ideal use cases.
Chromia uses a relational database model at the consensus layer. Developers write dApps in Rell (Relational Language) — a SQL-inspired language. Data is queryable like a traditional database while maintaining blockchain properties. System nodes validate blocks and earn CHR rewards.
CHR has a total supply of approximately 1 billion tokens. CHR is used for dApp hosting fees, node staking, and governance.
SQL-like queries on blockchain — familiar to millions of developers.
Complex game state naturally fits relational data models.
Rell language is intuitive for SQL/database developers.
No other blockchain uses a relational model.
Limited dApp adoption despite unique architecture.
Rell is new — requires learning despite SQL similarity.
Immutable, Ronin, and Beam have more gaming traction.
Relational consensus is less battle-tested than traditional models.
Traditional blockchains store data as key-value pairs. Chromia stores data in relational tables — like a SQL database. This means complex queries (find all items owned by player X in game Y) that are difficult on other blockchains are natural on Chromia.
Game state is inherently relational — player inventories, achievements, social connections are all relationships between data. Chromia's relational model handles this more naturally than key-value blockchains.
CHR is a niche bet on relational blockchain adoption, primarily for gaming. If Chromia attracts game developers who value the relational model, it could carve a significant niche. The risk is that established gaming chains have more momentum.
View live Chromia price, charts, and market data on the Chromia detail page.
Learn how to purchase: How to Buy Chromia