Cobalt

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Cobalt

Cobalt (pronounced /ˈkoʊbɔːlt/) is a chemical element with the symbol Co and atomic number 27.

Etymology

The term "Cobalt" originates from the German word "Kobalt" or "Kobold", which means "goblin". This term was used by German miners in the 16th century to refer to the cobalt ore that, while providing a source of valuable silver, was difficult to work with and often resulted in the death of the miners.

Description

Cobalt is a hard, lustrous, silver-gray metal that is found in various types of ore. It is a relatively rare element, making up only about 0.0020% of the Earth's crust. Cobalt is used in a variety of applications, including the production of alloys, magnets, high-tech applications such as lithium-ion batteries, and in the medical field for the production of radioactive isotopes used in the treatment of cancer.

Medical Uses

In the medical field, cobalt is used in the production of radioactive isotopes, particularly Cobalt-60. This isotope is used in radiation therapy to treat various types of cancer. Cobalt is also used in the production of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for human health.

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