What is Cobalt ?

Cobalt is a lustrous steel-gray metal, relatively hard and brittle, and ferromagnetic, which disappears when heated to 1150°C. It does not interact with water at room temperature and is stable in humid air. When heated to above 300 ºC in the air, it oxidizes to form CoO, and burns into Co3O4 when it is white hot. Cobalt is an important raw material for the production of heat-resistant alloys, cemented carbides, anti-corrosion alloys, magnetic alloys and various cobalt salts. Mainly used in the manufacture of electric carbon products, friction materials, oil-impregnated bearings and powder metallurgy structural materials, etc.