Cobalt carbonate

Description

Cobalt(II) carbonate, CoCO3, is a reddish paramagnetic solid and an intermediate in the hydrometallurgical purification of cobalt from its ores. It is an inorganic pigment, and a precursor to catalysts. Cobalt(II) carbonate also occurs as the rare red/pink mineral spherocobaltite. It is prepared by combining cobaltous sulfate and sodium bicarbonate solutions.

Chemical properties

Cobalt carbonate is Violet Powder. Cobalt (II) carbonate hexahydrate on heating becomes anhydrous by 140 °C while the anhydrous cobalt (II) carbonate decomposes at 427 °C before melting into cobalt (II) oxide.

The Uses of Cobalt carbonate

Cobalt(II) carbonate is precursor to cobalt carbonyl, cobalt salts and blue pottery glazes such as delftware. It is used as an essential element in dietary supplements and also used in the manufacture of paints and pigments.

Preparation

Cobalt(II) carbonate is prepared by heating cobaltous sulfate, cobaltous chloride or any Co2+ salt with sodium bicarbonate in solution:
CoSO₄ + NaHCO₃ → CoCO₃ + NaHSO₄

What are the applications of Application

Cobalt(II) Carbonate is an inorganic compound that is an intermediate in the hydrometallurgical purification of cobalt from its ore. It is also a paramagnetic solid, an inorganic pigment, and a precursor to catalysts.

What are the applications of Application

Cobalt carbonate is a highly effective colourant used in ceramics as a blue colourant in glazes. It is also a common ingredient in ceramic decals. Cobalt mixed with other colourants such as magnesium and added to glazes produces a more violet/reddish blue colour in oxidation/reduction firings. With this colourant, you can produce blue slips if mixed with white clay bodies. By using this, you can obtain various shades of blue in different intensities. In addition, if mixed with iron and manganese in the right proportions, you can obtain an intense black colour. In general, cobalt is a relatively stable colourant in all kiln atmospheres.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified