Contemporary Metals: Cobalt Wedding Rings
Long before it was recognized as a metal, the powdered form of cobalt was used as a dye in glazes, glass and ceramics. It had a rich blue color that was popular in the jewelry and sculpture of the Ancient Egyptians, Persians and the Chinese. Cobalt-colored glass dates back to at least the 2nd century BC, when it was used by potters in Eighteenth Dynasty in Egypt. It would, however, take far longer for the metal to be recognized as such.
Because the ores of cobalt contain arsenic, smelting it is quite dangerous, since it produces arsenic oxide, a highly toxic and volatile gas. Cobalt became a semi-metal in 1735, when a Swedish chemist (Georg Brandt) proved that it was distinct from bismuth and other closely-related semi-metals. It was a significant achievement, as cobalt was the first metal that was discovered in the modern era and the only one with a recorded discoverer.
The semi-metal is not quite precious and not quite common. According to geologists, it comprises exactly 0.0028 percent of the Earth’s crust and is the first recorded transitional metal. Cobalt has made a name for itself in recent years as an alternative or contemporary decorative metal. What does this mean?
An alternative metal is any metal that is not considered precious, i.e., not made of gold, platinum or silver. They are generally more common than the precious metals and have enviable properties. For example, cobalt is four times harder than platinum, five times harder than gold, and seven times harder than silver. It is also much cheaper than any precious metal, with the exception of silver.
Like platinum, cobalt is a naturally white metal that has an alluring luster that will not fade over time. Compared to other alternative metals, it is much whiter than either titanium or tungsten and it is highly scratch resistant. It is a relatively heavy metal and is weightier than titanium and a bit lighter than tungsten.
Unlike titanium and tungsten rings, cobalt rings like the Cobalt Wedding Ring With Beveled Edges And Satin Finish can be adjusted and resized without removing or adding new metal. We also like the Cobalt Wedding Ring With Triple Groove Center And Beveled Edges. People who are prone to weight gain and women who are planning a pregnancy should consider this fact before they select another alternative metal.
Cobalt rings are also shatterproof and will not crack; they are hypoallergenic and bio-compatible, which is a fancy way of saying they will not cause skin irritations or rashes. The fastest and most affordable way to locate an attractive cobalt ring is to search for a reputable jeweler on the internet.
