Recognize that Co represents cobalt and CO₃ represents the carbonate ion.
Determine the oxidation state of cobalt in CoCO₃. Carbonate (CO₃²⁻) has a charge of -2, so cobalt must have a +2 charge to balance the compound, making it cobalt (II).
Combine the name of the metal with its oxidation state and the name of the polyatomic ion: cobalt (II) carbonate.
Understand that cobalt (III) carbonite is incorrect because it suggests a different oxidation state and a different polyatomic ion (carbonite, which is not present here).