What is Cobalt?

Cobalt has acquired its name from the German word “cobalt”, which means “evil spirit”. Miners called it so because it is a toxic metal. Cobalt is chemically bound to some other metals in the Earth’s crust, such as nickel, lead, silver, copper and iron. Cobalt is similar in appearance to iron and nickel, and can be magnetized.

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Chemical Properties of Cobalt

  • Atomic number: 27
  • Atomic weight: 58.9332
  • Melting point: 1,495 °C
  • Boiling point: 2870 °C
  • Density: 8.9 g / cc at 20° C.

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Facts About Cobalt

  • Cobalt is not oxidized at room temperature.
  • Cobalt is a hard and brittle metal.
  • Cobalt is chemically active and it dissolves in dilute sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
  • Cobalt can be magnetized, just like some other metals.

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The Most Common Uses of Cobalt

  • Cobalt is used as a catalyst for the petroleum and chemical industries.
  • Cobalt is used to make drying paints and inks.
  • Cobalt is used in making permanent magnets.
  • Cobalt salts are used to impart wonderful blue colors to glass, pottery and porcelain.