What Causes the Color Changes of CoCl2 and Co in Solution?

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CoCl2 exhibits color changes in solution, transitioning from blue to pink when mixed with water, and reversing to blue in the presence of HCl. The pink color is attributed to the formation of the [Co(H2O)6]2+ complex ion, while the addition of Cl- ions leads to the blue [CoCl4]2- complex. The discussion raises questions about the solubility of metallic cobalt in water and the specific complex ions responsible for color changes in solid CoCl2 and Co in solution. Further clarification on the solubility of cobalt and the behavior of these complex ions is sought, indicating a need for deeper exploration of these chemical interactions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for comprehending the color changes in cobalt compounds.
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I have heard, quite simplistically, that "CoCl2 goes blue to pink with water" and "the reverse occurs with HCl solution". I have also heard that Co, and CoCl2, are pink in solution with water (in both cases with a different complex ion formed), and in both cases adding HCl again turns the solution blue.

So there are three cases: solid CoCl2, CoCl2 solution, and plain Co in solution. In each case I will need to know which complex ions are responsible for each colour produced.

The Internet has helped but I can't find out more from it than I already have, which is that Co2+ immediately forms [Co(H2O)6]2+ in solution, which is responsible for the pink colour, and that adding Cl- ions (e.g. HCl solution) then converts this to the blue [CoCl4]2- ion. So the plain Co in solution case is solved.

But what happens in the other two cases?
 
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with Co being a metal, are you sure that it is soluble in water?
 
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