Lithiums

Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element at room temperature, noted for being soft and silvery white. As an alkali metal, it is highly reactive and can be cut with a knife.

Lithium occurs in nature in minerals such as spodumene, lepidolite, and petalite, and in brine deposits. Commercial production combines hard rock mining (notably in Australia) and brine processing (in parts of South America). Lithium is mainly traded as lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, among other compounds.

Properties of lithium include high reactivity, especially with water and oxygen. It is typically stored under oil to prevent reaction with air. Its melting point is 180.5 C and its boiling point is 1342 C. In chemical form, lithium forms oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, and various salts used in industry and medicine.

The largest practical use of lithium is in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which power many mobile devices and electric vehicles. Lithium compounds are also used in ceramics and glass, and in lubricants and polymers. In medicine, lithium salts such as lithium carbonate are used to treat bipolar disorder and certain mood disorders, under medical supervision.

History and etymology: lithium was discovered in 1817 by Johan August Arfwedson while analyzing minerals containing petalite. The name derives from the Greek lithos, meaning stone.

Economy and environment: lithium supply chains involve mining and processing with environmental considerations including water use and landscape impact. Demand, driven by battery technology, influences market dynamics and regional development.