What Is the Element Cobalt Used In?
Cobalt is a brittle metal similar in appearance to iron and nickel that is found in large deposits in Zaire, Morocco and Canada. The element is a common byproduct of the mining and refining process used for nickel, silver, copper and iron. Does this Spark an idea?
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Alloys
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Cobalt is often used in conjunction with other metals to create alloys for high-speed and high-temperature uses, such as jet engines and gas turbines. Cobalt is used with chromium and tungsten to form the alloy alnico, which creates powerful magnets.
Dyes
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Cobalt is used to create a bright blue color used to color products including glass, pottery, tiles and enamels. Cobalt can also be used to electroplate objects to help reduce the effects of oxidization.
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Health
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The treatment for certain forms of cancer uses cobalt 60, a radioactive isotope of cobalt that produces gamma rays. Mineral deficiencies in animals can also be treated using a solution containing cobalt.
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