Cobalt

Cobalt is a metallic element with the symbol Co and atomic number 27. It is a hard, lustrous, steel-gray, ductile and somewhat malleable metal that is found in various ores. Cobalt metal is used in the preparation of magnetic, wear-resistant, and high-strength alloys. Its compounds are used in the production of inks, paints, and varnishes. The major applications of cobalt are in super alloys for parts in gas turbine aircraft engines, corrosion and wear-resistant alloys, high speed steels, cemented carbides, and catalysts for the petroleum and petrochemical industries.