The Element Cobalt

What is Cobalt? Origin / Meaning of the name Cobalt
The name cobalt comes from the German word kobalt , meaning evil spirit, the metal being so called by miners because it was poisonous.

What is Cobalt? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Cobalt Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Cobalt is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.

Facts about the History and the Discovery of the Cobalt Element
Cobalt was discovered by George Brandt (1694-1768) in 1737

What is Cobalt? Occurrence of the Cobalt Element
Cobalt occurs sparingly in nature, usually combined with Arsenic or with arsenic and sulphur. Nickel has been found in the free state in meteorites. Compounds of cobalt fused with glass give it an intensely blue color. In powdered form such glass is sometimes used as a pigment called smalt. Cobalt salts, which contain water of crystallization, are usually cherry red in color; when dehydrated they become blue. Obtained from Sulfur, arsenic, Oxygen, cobaltine

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 0.0003%
% in Sun 0.0004%
% in Meteorites 0.059%
% in Earth's Crust 0.003%
% in Oceans 8×10^-9%
% in Humans 2×10^-6%

Medical Uses of Cobalt - Health and Treatments
Interesting information on the Medical Uses of Cobalt, Health and Treatments. Radium salts have been used as radiation sources in the treatment of cancer but are gradually being replaced in such therapy by cobalt and cesium.