Litium

Litium is a chemical element that in English is called lithium, with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. It is an alkali metal, highly reactive and soft enough to be cut with a knife. In air it forms a dull oxide layer and reacts with water to release hydrogen. The name comes from the Greek lithos, meaning stone, reflecting its occurrence in mineral sources.

Occurrence and production: Litium occurs in minerals such as spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite, and in brine deposits. The largest sources are hard‑rock pegmatites in Australia and brine fields in Chile, Argentina, and China. Commercial production typically involves mining the ore or evaporating brines, followed by processing to lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, which are used for battery materials, ceramics, and other industrial applications.

Applications: The majority of refined lithium is used for lithium‑ion rechargeable batteries in portable electronics and electric vehicles. Other uses include glass and ceramic production, lubricants, and medicinal lithium carbonate used as a mood stabilizer in psychiatric treatment, under medical supervision.

Properties and safety: Lithium has two stable isotopes, 6Li and 7Li. Handling requires care due to its reactivity; it is stored under oil or inert atmosphere to prevent corrosion. Spills and environmental exposure can be hazardous to aquatic life in high concentrations. Workplace safety requires protective equipment because of flammability and reactive hazards.