Cobalt chloride is used as an indicator for water in desiccants. Because of the ease of the hydration/dehydration reaction, and the resulting color change, Niche uses of cobalt chloride include its role in organic synthesis and electroplating objects with cobalt metal.
Cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate is a metal used with other metals to make metal alloys. Because cobalt and nickel can be found in many of the same metal products, allergies to both metals can develop.
Commercially, cobalt (II) chloride is often used to make sealants, adhesives, and glues. It is also used for electroplating, particularly for plating objects with cobalt metal. Surface treating metal is another common industrial use of the compound.