Cobalt

A lustrous, silvery-blue metal. It is magnetic. Cobalt, like iron, can be magnetised and so is used to make magnets. It is alloyed with aluminium and nickel to make particularly powerful magnets.

Cobalt is also used to make airbags in automobiles; catalysts for the petroleum and chemical industries; cemented carbides (also called hardmetals) and diamond tools; corrosion- and wear-resistant alloys; drying agents for paints, varnishes, and inks; dyes and pigments; ground coats for porcelain enamels; high-speed.

Cobalt is a naturally occurring element in the earth's crust. It occurs in several minerals, often with nickel, silver, lead, copper, and iron ores (Haynes 2015). It is a member of Group 9 of the periodic table along with rhenium, iridium, and meitnerium, and adjacent to iron and nickel.

Atomic Structure:

The nucleus consists of 27 protons (red) and 32 neutrons (blue). 27 electrons (green) bind to the nucleus, successively occupying available electron shells (rings).

For centuries, humans have been captivated by the vibrant blue hues produced by cobalt compounds. Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Chinese artisans all used cobalt to color their pottery, glass, and jewelry, leaving behind stunning testaments to its beauty.

The element itself, however, remained a mystery until the 18th century. In 1739, a Swedish scientist named Georg Brandt finally isolated cobalt, separating it from the arsenic-rich ores that had frustrated miners for generations. He named the new element after the German word "kobold," a mischievous spirit miners blamed for their failed attempts to extract other metals.

Pigments:Cobalt compounds have been used for centuries to create stunning blue colors in paints, ceramics, and glass. These vibrant hues were prized by artisans and can still be seen in historical artifacts around the world.
Medicine:Small amounts of cobalt are essential for human health, and cobalt compounds have been used to treat vitamin B12 deficiencies.
Batteries: Cobalt is a key component in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries, which power many devices like smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. The demand for cobalt is expected to grow as these technologies become more widespread.

Some of the benefits of using cobalt are:

Cobalt alloys are incredibly strong and heat-resistant, making them ideal for jet engines, turbines, and other demanding applications. They help these components last longer and function more efficiently, even in extreme environments.
Cobalt is a crucial ingredient in permanent magnets, which are used in everything from electric motors and wind turbines to medical imaging equipment and data storage devices. These magnets play a vital role in many essential technologies.
Cobalt is a key component in lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles and other sustainable technologies. As we move towards a cleaner future, cobalt will play an important role in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

Cobalt is found in various sources, both on Earth and beyond. Here are some examples:

While not abundant, cobalt can be found in minerals like cobaltite and as a byproduct of mining other metals like copper and nickel.
These potato-sized lumps on the ocean floor contain various metals, including cobalt, though harvesting them raises environmental concerns.
Traces of cobalt can be found in some meteorites, offering clues about the element's presence in our solar system.

Cobalt is a hard ferromagnetic, silver-white, hard, lustrous, brittle element. It is a member of group VIII of the periodic table. Like iron, it can be magnetized. It is similar to iron and nickel in its physical properties.

Cobalt

Identity.

Atomic Structure:

History.

Usage.

Some of the benefits of using cobalt are:

Sources.

Properties.