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How do you identify the Cobalt (versus some other metal) rings in the heads? Any pictures?

Most cobalt rings I’ve seen post early 90s are plated (much like neodymium). Cobalt magnets in ring shape break easily

If it’s shiny looking like tin or silver scratch it. If it’s brownish black underneath you have cobalt. If it’s solid black it’s an iron base. Light grey is a ferrite ceramic.
Older ones;
It’s not the wisest method, but drop it. They will crack on a hard surface at a foot or so. It’s not a guarantee, but there’s a good chance. An xrf or chem test at the yard will then tell you conclusively.

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Lost,

Ok, thanks! I will keep an eye out if we come across any.

As I’ve pointed out in other discussions, the places where you will find the highest level of PM are the same places where working costs a fortune and parts tend to be worth many times scrap rates.
Betamax players are nearly all full of gold, chromium, cobalt, silver, etc.
And a dead Betamax player will fetch $50 on a very bad day.

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