Cobalt chloride hexahydrate is the most common form of this inorganic compound which is a deep rose color in the hydrated form. The dramatic color change of blue-purple Cobalt(II) chloride to the rose color when hydrated makes Cobalt(II) chloride an excellent indicator for water in dessicants. As an inducer of HIF-1 production, Cobalt(II) chloride (CoCl2) has been used to study apoptotic effects in HepG2 cells. Also reported as a stabilizer for reconstitution of the radiopharmaceutical technetium-99m exametazime. CoCl2 has been used in studies to examine heat shock protein expression of inflamed skin.