Cobalt is a hard, lustrous and a grey metal with symbol Co and atomic number 27. Cobalt is a transition metal with a close packed hexagonal (CPH) crystal structure at room temperature.The name Cobalt was derived from the German word ‘Kobold’, meaning evil spirits. The interest in cobalt’s uses goes back to 2000 B.C. when cobalt was used by Egyptian artisans as a coloring agent.

Cobalt-based colors and pigments are in use since ancient times for making jewelry and paints. Miners have long used the name ‘kobold’ ore for some minerals.

Cobalt is an essential trace element for all multi-cellular organisms as the active center of coenzymes called cobalamins. These include vitamin B12 that is essential for mammals. Cobalt is also an active nutrient for bacteria, algae, and fungi, and may be a necessary nutrient for all life.

Cobalt is one of the world’s essential elements. It has many strategic and irreplaceable industrial uses but it is also a central component of Vitamin B12 that it is vital. It has a high melting point and retains its strength to a high temperature. Due to this property, it is used in making Cutting tools, super alloys, surface coating, high speed steels, cemented carbides, diamond tooling.