When was cobalt named and recognized as a distinct metal?
Quick Answer
Cobalt was named in 1735 by Georg Brandt, who proved that it was the source of the blue color in certain ores. It became one of the first metals identified scientifically in modern chemistry.
The Full Story
Georg Brandt identified and named cobalt in 1735 after proving that the blue color in certain ores came from a distinct metal, not from bismuth or other known substances. The name comes from the German word kobold, meaning goblin, because miners associated the ores with troublesome impurities. Brandt’s work helped show that some mineral colors came from specific elements. Cobalt later became important in pigments, magnets, and high-performance alloys.
Key Facts
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"The “goblin metal” discovered in ore in 1735"
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