How to Learn About Cobalt

Cobalt, the 27th element, comprises 3,000 parts per billion of all matter in the universe. Cobalt is one of the three ferromagnetic elements, the other two being iron and nickel. The following steps will aid in your search for information about this fascinating element.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Read up on German roots and history. Learn that cobalt got its name from the German word "kobalt" meaning evil spirit. It was named by miners because it was poisonous and degraded other mined elements such as nickel. The name may also come from the Greek word "kobalos," which means mine.
2. Learn that the discovery of cobalt is credited to George Brandt. The date of discovery varies between 1730 and 1737, depending on the source.
3. Read about geology to learn that cobalt is not found free in nature but is primarily obtained from the minerals cobaltite and smaltite although other cobalt bearing minerals include erythrite, glaucodot, linnaeite and skutterudite. Cobalt is primarily mined in Australia, Canada, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Congo, mainland China, Russia and Zambia. Cobalt is commercially obtained as a by-product of copper and nickel mining.
4. Search chemistry and physics Web sites and books to learn that cobalt is one the of the three ferromagnetic elements. Make sure to look for facts about cobalt's appearance, reactivity and other chemical and physical properties.
5. Look for information on chemical properties to learn that cobalt is used in alloys for high speed steels, cemented carbides and diamond tools. Industrially, its appearance, hardness and resistance to oxidation make it useful in electroplating and battery electrodes. Cobalt can also be alloyed with iron and nickel to form alnico magnets.
6. Search for information on biochemistry to learn that cobalt is an essential trace element for many species. It is the center of vitamin B12 and is important in the formation of red blood cells. Grazing animals do best with 0.13 to 0.30 mg per kg of cobalt in the soil.

Tips & Warnings

• Cobalt powder is a fire hazard. Cobalt compounds are slightly toxic. Cobalt 60 is a cancer risk because it is a powerful gamma ray emitter.