Cobalt & compounds: Overview
Description
Cobalt is a metal that occurs naturally in many different forms. Small amounts of it are found in most rocks, soil, water, plants, and animals. Cobalt is a component of vitamin B-12, which is required for good health. The largest use of cobalt metal is to make alloys, which retain strength even when very hot. It is also used to help paint dry quickly. Cobalt is also used to make artificial body parts such as hip and knee joints. Cobalt carbonate is used in ceramics and as an animal feed supplement in trace amounts. Cobalt chloride is used as a humidity and water indicator, in electroplating, in the manufacture of vitamin B-12, as a fertilizer and feed additive in trace amounts. Cobalt oxide is used in pigments for ceramics and glass, in fast drying paints and varnishes, in semiconductors, in enamel coatings on steel, and again as an animal feed additive in trace amounts. Cobalt sulfate is used in electroplating, in batteries, as a drying agent in inks and varnishes, in enamels, and ceramics, and as a feed and fertilizer additive.
Substance details
Substance name: Cobalt & compounds
CASR number: 7440-48-4
Molecular formula: Co
Synonyms: Cobalt compounds: Cobalt carbonate, cobalt chloride, cobalt oxide, cobalt sulfate, cobalt nitrate
Physical properties
Cobalt metal is an odourless shiny, silvery metal, when first exposed to air.
Melting Point: Cobalt metal: about 1495°C
Boiling Point: Cobalt metal: 2870 to 3100°C
Specific Gravity: 8.92
Chemical properties
Pure cobalt does not dissolve in water, but will dissolve (or react) with acids. It will burn when exposed to heat. The fumes may be hazardous. Compounds that are not soluble in water are cobalt carbonate and cobalt oxide. Compounds that are soluble in water are cobalt nitrate and cobalt sulfate.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of cobalt and compounds emissions in Australia.
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