hcp Co disk-shaped nanocrystals were obtained by rapid decomposition of cobalt carbonyl in the presence of linear amines. Other surfactants, in addition to the amines, like phosphine oxides and oleic acid were used to improve size dispersion, shape control, and nanocrystal stability. Co disks are ferromagnetic in character and they spontaneously self-assemble into long ribbons. X-ray and electron diffraction, electron microscopy, and SQUID magnetometry have been employed to characterize this material.