Cobalt (27)
- Cobalt in compound occurs as a minor component of copper & nickel minerals.
- It is the major metallic component in combination with Sulfur and Arsenic in:
- Sulfidic Cobaltite (CoAsS)
- Safflorite (CoAs2)
- Glaucodot ((Co,Fe)AsS)
- Skutterudite (CoAs3)
- Cobalt is primarily used as the metal, in the preparation of magnetic, wear-resistant and high-strength alloys.
- Cobalt has a relative permeability two-thirds that of Iron.
- It is ferromagnetic metal with a specific gravity of 8.9.
- Cobalt compounds have been used for centuries to impart a rich blue color to glass, glazes & ceramics.
- The formation of Chromium & Tungsten carbides makes them very hard & wear resistant.
- Alloy of Cobalt & Samarium are used in permanent Magnets.
- Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2) – is widely used in lithium ion battery cathodes.
- Cobalt used in electroplating, owing to its attractive appearance, hardness & resistance to oxidation.