Cobalt
Cobalt, element #27, has an atomic mass of 58.9332 amu, a specific gravity of 8.9, electron
levels of 2-8-15-2, and valences of +2 and 3. Cobalt is a member of the iron triad, and was
discovered in 1737 by Georg Brandt of Sweden. Co melts at 1494.85 degrees C, and boils at
2869.85 degrees C. Cobalt compounds are used to harden steel, make magnets, tint glass, and color
pottery. Cobalt 60 is radioactive, and is used to treat cancer and to diagnose a B12 deficiency.
Co can cause skin allergies, damage the heart, and can be radioactive, such as in the case of cobalt 60 as
mentioned above. Co is an odorless, metallic silver/gray solid, and can also be in the form of small
particles. It is used in steel alloys, jet engines, nuclear technology, cemented carbide abrasives, and some
tools. Co minerals include cobaltite, smaltite, and erythrite.
June 18, 1997
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