COBALT Meaning and
Definition
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Cobalt is a silvery-gray chemical element with the symbol Co and atomic number 27. It belongs to the transition metals group in the periodic table and is known for its high melting point, magnetic properties, and ability to resist corrosion. Cobalt is a hard and brittle metal that is commonly found in combination with other elements, primarily as cobaltite, erythrite, and smaltite.
In terms of its applications, cobalt is extensively utilized in various industries. It is a crucial component in the production of rechargeable batteries, particularly those used in electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. Due to its magnetic properties, cobalt is used in the manufacturing of magnets, such as those employed in headphones, speakers, and electric motors. It also finds applications in the production of high-speed and heat-resistant alloys, jet engine components, and cutting tools. Cobalt compounds, such as cobalt blue and cobalt green, are used in the creation of vibrant pigments for ceramics, glass, and paints.
Cobalt has garnered attention in recent years due to its potential health and environmental impacts. Exposure to high levels of cobalt may have toxic effects on humans and animals, especially if inhaled or ingested over extended periods. Cobalt mining and extraction processes can also pose environmental risks, causing water pollution and soil contamination. As a result, efforts to ensure responsible sourcing and sustainable extraction of cobalt have gained significance in the mining industry.
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A steel gray metallic element, symbol Co, atomic weight 58.97. Its compounds afford pigments, the protoxide being the beautiful cobalt blue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A brittle metal of a reddish-grey or greyish-white colour, much used in the state of oxide to give a blue colour to glass, and to produce enamels upon metals and earthenware, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of COBALT
The word "cobalt" is derived from the German word "Kobalt", which originally referred to a goblin or evil spirit. It is believed that the miners in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) in Germany, who often encountered toxic cobalt compounds while extracting silver, associated the element with these malevolent creatures. Over time, the name "Kobalt" was adopted for the blue-colored ore from which these compounds were derived, and eventually for the element itself.
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