Cobalt (Co): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D

Cobalt is element 27 on the periodic table, a transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.

Open Cobalt in 3D All 118 elements
Cobalt (Co) shown in the VisionVix 3D Periodic TableExplore in 3D
Cobalt in the VisionVix 3D Periodic Table. Click the picture to open it live.

Cobalt quick facts

Atomic number27
SymbolCo
Atomic mass58.933
CategoryTransition Metal
Group and periodGroup 9, period 4
Blockd-block
State at room temperatureSolid
Electron configuration[Ar] 3d⁷ 4s²
Electrons per shell2, 8, 15, 2
Discovered1735, Brandt

What is cobalt used for?

  • Lithium cobalt oxide in phone batteries
  • Cobalt blue ceramic pigment (ancient & modern)
  • Superalloys for jet engine turbine blades

Interesting facts about cobalt

  • The word "cobalt" comes from German "kobold" (goblin). Miners blamed poisonous fumes on spirits
  • Cobalt-60 is used in radiotherapy to treat cancer
  • Vitamin B12 is the only vitamin that contains a metal. Cobalt

Cobalt was discovered in 1735 by Brandt in Sweden.

Where cobalt sits on the periodic table

Cobalt is in group 9, period 4. Tap any element to open its page.

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Previous element26. IronNext element28. Nickel

Other transition metals

21Scandium (Sc)22Titanium (Ti)23Vanadium (V)24Chromium (Cr)25Manganese (Mn)26Iron (Fe)28Nickel (Ni)29Copper (Cu)

Cobalt questions

What is the atomic number of cobalt?

Cobalt has atomic number 27, so every cobalt atom has 27 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Co and its atomic mass is 58.933.

Is cobalt a metal?

Cobalt is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 9, period 4.

What is the electron configuration of cobalt?

The electron configuration of cobalt is [Ar] 3d⁷ 4s². Its electrons sit in 4 shells: 2, 8, 15, 2.

What is cobalt used for?

Cobalt is used for lithium cobalt oxide in phone batteries, cobalt blue ceramic pigment (ancient & modern) and superalloys for jet engine turbine blades.

Who discovered cobalt?

Cobalt was discovered in 1735 by Brandt in Sweden.

The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.