What is cobalt oxide colour used for? What is difference between cobalt oxide and cobalt carbonate? Cobalt oxide vs cobalt carbonate? Is cobalt oxide cheap

Co₃O₄

Cobalt oxide color (Co3O4) is a consistent, reliable oxide and a common colorant in pottery. It is available in powdered form and is blackish in color. It is a very strong oxide and using very small quantities yields bright, intense blues. In ceramics, cobalt oxide colour is used mainly in slips, washes, and glazes and can be applied through brushwork, decals, or other surface decorating techniques. It can also be added to porcelain or stoneware clay. Because cobalt oxide is not as finely powdered as cobalt carbonate, cobalt oxide is more likely to create blue specks, a quality that we believe can be quite beautiful!

All pigments for ceramics are intermixable so why not get creative and experiment by mixing your own completely fresh color. During the firing process, the colors fuse extra vigorously creating purity, intensity, and brilliance. The colors are stronger, therefore, significantly less percentage is needed to create vivid colors making them excessively cost-effective to achieve neon pottery glaze.

How to use Cobalt Oxide Colour in the pottery oxide ceramics?

Because of the strength of this cobaltous oxide as a colorant, glazes containing cobalt can produce halos and flashing during firings. Suggested concentrations for preparation of slips and glazes are as follows:

In slips: 0.25 - 2%
In glazes: 0.25 - 1%

When mixed with magnesium in the proper concentrations, cobalt oxide can produce purples and lavenders. When properly combined with titanium, greens can result. Additional colors and effects can be achieved using cobalt oxide, and we recommend that you consider consulting some of the many wonderful glaze books available. When using ceramic pigments in glazes, usually in concentrations of 1–10%, a little more care must be taken because some pigment systems react with materials in a glaze.

Cobalt(II,III) oxide, also known as cobalt oxide or cobalt black, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Co₃O₄. It is a mixed valence compound, meaning it contains cobalt in two different oxidation states: Co(II) and Co(III). Specifically, it is composed of CoO (cobalt(II) oxide) and Co₂O₃ (cobalt(III) oxide) in a 1:2 ratio. Here are some key details about Cobalt(II,III) oxide:

Properties:

Appearance: Black or grayish-black powder.
Structure: Spinel structure, which is a type of cubic crystal structure.
Magnetic Properties: Exhibits ferrimagnetism.
Density: Approximately 6.11 g/cm³.
Melting Point: Decomposes above 895°C.

Preparation:

Cobalt(II,III) oxide can be prepared by:

Thermal Decomposition: Heating cobalt(II) compounds such as cobalt(II) hydroxide, cobalt(II) carbonate, or cobalt(II) nitrate in air at high temperatures.
Oxidation: Oxidizing cobalt(II) oxide in the presence of oxygen.

Uses:

Catalyst: Used in various chemical reactions, including those in the petrochemical industry.
Pigments: Provides blue and black colors in ceramics, glass, and paints.
Batteries: Used as an electrode material in lithium-ion batteries.
Magnetic Materials: Utilized in magnetic recording media and other magnetic materials.
Electronics: Employed in sensors and other electronic devices.

Safety and Handling:

Toxicity: Cobalt compounds can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. Proper safety measures should be taken to avoid exposure.
Environmental Impact: Cobalt mining and processing can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution.

Cobalt(II,III) oxide is an important material in both industrial applications and scientific research due to its unique properties and versatility.

Formula: Co₃O₄Molecular Weight: 240.80 g/mol
Form: powder
CAS Number: 1308-06-1
EU Number: 215-157-2
Density: 6.11 g/cm³
Synonyms: Cobalt Oxide Powder, Cobalt(II,III) Oxide, Cobalt Blue, oxocobalt, oxo(oxocobaltiooxy)cobalt, cobalt tetraoxide