Cobalt (Co) – Properties, Uses, Applications, and Current Price
Introduction
Cobalt (Co) is a hard, lustrous, silver-gray metal known for its magnetic properties, high strength, and resistance to wear and corrosion. Read more about Cobalt properties in this blog.
Current Price of Cobalt
Cobalt prices fluctuate based on battery demand, mining production, and market conditions. As of March 2025, the approximate cobalt prices are:
- $32,000 per ton (global market)
- ₹2,650 per kg (Indian market)
What is Cobalt?
Cobalt is a transition metal primarily used in batteries, superalloys, and industrial catalysts. It is highly durable, magnetic, and heat-resistant, making it valuable in high-tech applications.
Chemical Properties:
- Symbol: Co
- Atomic Number: 27
- Atomic Mass: 58.93 u
- Melting Point: 1,495°C
- Boiling Point: 2,927°C
- Density: 8.90 g/cm³
- Magnetic Properties: Strongly ferromagnetic
Uses & Applications of Cobalt
1. Cobalt in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Cobalt is a key element in lithium-ion batteries, used in:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Laptops & Smartphones
- Power storage systems
2. Cobalt-Based Superalloys
Cobalt superalloys provide high strength and heat resistance in:
- Jet engines & turbines
- Spacecraft components
- Industrial cutting tools
3. Cobalt in Industrial Catalysts
Cobalt-based catalysts are used in:
- Petroleum refining
- Chemical synthesis
- Fertilizer & plastic production
4. Cobalt in Magnetic Materials & Electronics
Cobalt’s strong magnetic properties make it essential in:
- High-performance magnets
- Hard disk drives & speakers
- MRI machines & medical imaging
5. Cobalt in Pigments & Coloring
Cobalt-based pigments (Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Green) are used in:
- Ceramics & Glass
- Fine Art Paints
- Industrial Coatings
Benefits of Cobalt
- ✔ High strength & heat resistance (used in superalloys)
- ✔ Essential for energy storage & electric vehicles
- ✔ Strong magnetic properties for electronics
- ✔ Durable & corrosion-resistant
Side Effects & Risks of Cobalt
- ❌ Health Risks: Overexposure can cause lung & heart problems
- ❌ Mining Concerns: Many cobalt mines use unsustainable & unethical labor
- ❌ Expensive: Cobalt prices are highly volatile
Future of Cobalt
- 🔹 Growing demand for EVs & battery technology
- 🔹 Advancements in cobalt-free battery alternatives
- 🔹 Increased recycling & sustainable cobalt sourcing
FAQs
Q1: Why is cobalt important in batteries?
🇹 Cobalt improves energy density & battery life in lithium-ion cells.
Q2: Is cobalt toxic to humans?
🇹 Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory and heart issues.
Q3: How is cobalt used in electric vehicles?
🇹 Cobalt-based cathodes increase battery efficiency in EVs.
Q4: Can cobalt be recycled?
🇹 Yes, cobalt is recycled from batteries & industrial waste.
Q5: What are the alternatives to cobalt in batteries?
🇹 Solid-state batteries & lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries are emerging alternatives.
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