Cobalt is a transition metal, naturally ocurring in the minerals cobaltite, smaltite, and erythrite, and is often associated with nickel, silver, lead, copper, and iron ores, from which it is most frequently obtained as a by-product. Depending on the considered species, cobalt has multiple industrial applications including the production of alloys and hard metal, diamond polishing, drying agents, pigments and catalysts. Cobalt is an essential component of Vitamin B12 (hydroxycolalamin). Cobalt functions as a co-factor in enzyme catalysed reactions and is involved in the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the formation of erythrocytes. Cobalt salts were used to treat anemia and stimulate erythropoiesis, but was withdrawn from market since Co(II) cations are genotoxic in vitro and in vivo, and carcinogenic in rodents. Hovewer, Co salts are reported to be used by athletes as a doping