what is cobalt used for
Cobalt is used in many alloys (superalloys for parts in gas turbine aircrafr engines, corrosion resistant alloys, high-speed steels, cemented carbides), in magents and magnetic recording media, as catalysts for the petroleum and chemical industries, as drying agents for paints and inks.
1 Cobalt-60 is used to create gamma rays which are used to treat cancer and to sterilize medical supplies. 2  Too much or too little cobalt in the body can cause health issues. 3  Small amounts of cobalt are sometimes used in fertilizers.  Most of the cobalt used in the United States is imported from other countries.
Cobalt blue is an important part of artists' palette and is used bu craft workers in porcelain, pottery, stained glass, tiles and enamel jewellery. The radioactive isotopes, cobalt-60, is used in medical treatment and also to irradiate food, in order to preserve the food and protect the consumer.