Cobalt is a Block D, Group 9, Period 4 element. The number of electrons in each of Cobalt's shells is 2, 8, 15, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Ar] 3d⁷ 4s². In its elemental form cobalt's CAS number is 7440-48-4. The cobalt atom has a radius of 125.3.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Cobalt and its compounds are somewhat toxic by skin contact and moderately toxic by inhalation. Cobalt has a metallic permeability two thirds that of iron. It exists as a mixture of two allotropes over a wide temperature range. The transformation is slow and accounts in part for the wide variation in the physical properties of cobalt. It is alloyed with iron, nickel and other metals to make Alnico, an alloy of unusual magnetic strength with many important uses. Samarium-cobalt is one of the highest strength magnet alloys known. Cobalt compounds produce a brilliant and permanent blue color in ceramic glazes, glass, pottery, tiles, and enamels. Co-60 is useful as a gamma ray source. Toxicity of cobalt and its compounds are mild by skin contact and moderate by ingestion. Cobalt is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Cobalt was first discovered by George Brandt in 1737. The origin of the word Cobalt comes from the German word 'Kobalt or Kobold' which translates as "goblin", "elf" or "evil spirit". See Cobalt research below.

Zirconium is a Block D, Group 4, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Zirconium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 10, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 4d² 5s². In its elemental form zirconium's CAS number is 7440-67-7. The zirconium atom has a radius of 159.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Zirconium is non-toxic. Zirconium’s principal mineral is zircon (Zirconium Silicate) and is primarily used in its oxide or zirconia form. Zirconium dioxide has a high melting point (2,700° C) and a low thermal conductivity. Its polymorphism, however, restricts its widespread use in ceramic industry. During a heating process, zirconia will undergo a phase transformation process. The change in volume associated with this transformation makes the usage of pure zirconia in many applications impossible. Addition of some oxides, such as CaO, MgO, and Y2O3, into the zirconia structure in a certain degree results in a solid solution, which is a cubic form and has no phase transformation during heating and cooling. This solid solution material is termed as stabilized zirconia, a valuable refractory. Stabilized zirconia is used as a grinding media and engineering ceramics due to its increased hardness and high thermal shock resistivity. Stabilized zirconia is also used in applications such as oxygen sensors and solid oxide fuel cells due to its high oxygen ion conductivity.Zirconium was first discovered by William Gregor in 1791. The name Zirconium originated from the Persian word 'zargun' meaning gold color or gold-like. See Zirconium research below.