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What is Cobalt? Origin / Meaning of the name Cobalt
The name cobalt comes from
the German word kobalt , meaning evil spirit, the metal being so
called by miners because it was poisonous.
What is Cobalt? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Cobalt Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States
of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Cobalt
is classified
as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the
Periodic Table. Elements classified as
Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat.Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are
classified as metals which are detailed in the
List of Metals.
Facts about the History
and the
Discovery of the Cobalt
Element
Cobalt was discovered by
George Brandt (1694-1768) in 1737
What is Cobalt? Occurrence of the Cobalt Element
Cobalt occurs sparingly in nature, usually combined with
Arsenic
or with arsenic and sulphur. Nickel has been found in
the free state in meteorites. Compounds of cobalt fused with
glass give it an intensely blue color. In powdered form such
glass is sometimes used as a pigment called smalt. Cobalt salts,
which contain water of crystallization, are usually cherry red
in color; when dehydrated they become blue. Obtained from
Sulfur,
arsenic,
Oxygen, cobaltine
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe
0.0003%
% in Sun 0.0004%
% in Meteorites 0.059%
% in Earth's Crust 0.003%
% in Oceans 8×10-9%
% in Humans 2×10-6%
Medical Uses of
Cobalt - Health and Treatments
Interesting information on the Medical Uses of Cobalt,
Health and Treatments. Radium salts have been used as radiation
sources in the treatment of cancer but are gradually being
replaced in such therapy by cobalt and
cesium.
Associated Uses of Cobalt
Magnets
Ceramics
Magnetic alloys
Cobalt boats
Glassware
Catalysts for the petroleum and chemical industries
Steel-belted radial tires
Used in radiotherapy |
