Arfwedson

Johan August Arfwedson (1792–1841) was a Swedish chemist best known for discovering lithium in 1817. While analyzing lithium-containing minerals such as petalite (and related spodumene minerals), he identified a new element that formed compounds with chlorine. He named the element lithium, from the Greek lithos meaning “stone,” reflecting its association with mineral sources.

Arfwedson did not isolate the metal himself; the first isolation of lithium metal was accomplished later, in 1825, by William Thomas Brande through electrolysis of molten lithium chloride. The discovery of lithium by Arfwedson and its subsequent isolation enabled extensive research into lithium chemistry and its later applications.

In addition to his lithium work, Arfwedson contributed to the study of mineral composition and inorganic chemistry during the early 19th century. His findings helped establish systematic analyses of minerals and the identification of new elements through chemical reactions, influencing Swedish and broader European chemical research of the era.

Arfwedson’s legacy rests primarily on his role in identifying lithium and naming the element, a milestone in the history of chemistry. His work exemplifies the era’s shift toward elemental discovery through mineral analysis, paving the way for future developments in battery chemistry and related fields.