Cobalt is a hard, silver‑gray metal used in alloys, batteries, and to make vivid blue pigments. It is important in modern technology and also appears in some vitamins in tiny amounts.
The word comes from German “Kobalt” or “Kobold,” meaning “goblin” or “evil spirit,” because miners blamed troublesome ores on underground spirits. The metal was difficult to smelt and gave off toxic fumes, fueling the superstition.
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