Dietary Sources of Cobalt
For humans, the only biologically active form of cobalt is as part of vitamin B12 (cobalamin). This means that foods rich in vitamin B12 are the primary dietary sources of cobalt. Since B12 is produced by bacteria, not plants, the most reliable sources are animal products or fortified foods.
Top food sources of cobalt include:
- Organ Meats: Liver and kidneys, especially from beef or lamb, are exceptionally rich sources of vitamin B12 and, consequently, cobalt.
- Shellfish: Clams, oysters, and mussels are packed with B12 and other trace minerals like zinc and iron.
- Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel contain significant amounts of B12 and are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Meat and Poultry: Beef, chicken, and pork contain moderate levels of cobalt via their B12 content.
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are good options for vegetarians to obtain B12 and cobalt.
- Eggs: The yolks contain B12, especially from pasture-raised hens.
- Fortified Foods: Plant-based foods like cereals, plant milks (soy, almond), and nutritional yeast are often fortified with B12 for vegans and vegetarians.
- Certain Vegetables: Green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli contain trace amounts of cobalt, though the content depends on the soil's quality.
Industrial and Manufacturing Products High in Cobalt
Beyond nutrition, cobalt's unique properties make it an indispensable material in a vast array of high-tech and industrial applications. Its stability, high-temperature resistance, and corrosion-resistance are highly prized.
Key industrial products containing high amounts of cobalt:
- Rechargeable Batteries: Over half of the world's cobalt supply is used in the electrodes of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and energy storage.
- Superalloys: Alloys with high cobalt content are used in jet engines, gas turbines, and other aerospace applications due to their exceptional heat resistance and strength.
- Magnets: Powerful permanent magnets, including Alnico and rare-earth magnets, contain substantial quantities of cobalt.
- Paints and Pigments: For centuries, cobalt salts have been used to produce the vibrant blue colour known as 'cobalt blue' in glass, porcelain, ceramics, and paints.
- Medical Implants: Cobalt-chromium alloys are used in orthopedic and dental implants because of their biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.
- Catalysts: Cobalt is a key catalyst in the petroleum and chemical industries.
Mineral and Geological Sources of Cobalt
Cobalt is not typically found in its pure, metallic state on Earth's surface. Instead, it is found in mineral form, often associated with other metals like copper and nickel.
- Primary Ores: Key cobalt-bearing minerals include cobaltite (cobalt arsenic sulfide), smaltite (cobalt arsenide), and erythrite.
- Byproduct Mining: The vast majority of cobalt is produced as a byproduct of mining for copper and nickel. Major deposits are located in sediment-hosted stratiform copper deposits and magmatic nickel-copper sulfide deposits.
- Deep-Sea Resources: Millions of tons of cobalt resources have been identified in manganese nodules on the ocean floor.
- Meteorites: Iron meteorites, which are remnants of asteroidal cores, are composed of iron-nickel alloys that also contain traces of cobalt. The nickel-to-cobalt ratio in these alloys is a key indicator for identification.
Comparison of Cobalt Sources
| Source Type | Examples | Primary Cobalt Form | Typical Use/Benefit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dietary (Animal-Based) | Liver, shellfish, meat, dairy | Organic (as part of Vitamin B12) | Essential for human health, nerve function | Biologically active form |
| Dietary (Fortified) | Cereals, plant milks, yeast | Synthetic Vitamin B12 | Vegan/vegetarian nutrition | B12 is added artificially |
| Industrial | Rechargeable batteries, superalloys, magnets | Refined metallic cobalt or salts | High-tech manufacturing, energy storage | High concentration and purity |
| Mineral | Cobaltite, smaltite ores | In chemical compounds | Extracted and refined for industrial use | Often a byproduct of other mining |
| Geological | Iron meteorites | Iron-nickel-cobalt alloy | Scientific analysis, collector's item | Not a practical source |
Conclusion
From the essential trace amounts needed for human health to the high concentrations demanded by modern technology, what is high in cobalt depends heavily on the context. In nutrition, rich sources are primarily animal products and fortified foods, as cobalt is a critical component of vitamin B12. Industrially, the element's high concentration is found in the advanced materials used for batteries, high-temperature alloys, and magnets. Furthermore, it is geologically concentrated in specific mineral ores and, notably, in extraterrestrial objects like meteorites. Whether consumed for health or harnessed for technology, cobalt plays an undeniable and crucial role.
What is high in cobalt? Authority reference
For more detailed information on the industrial uses and importance of cobalt, the Cobalt Institute is a respected resource.
