litium7

Lithium-7, denoted as 7Li, is a stable isotope of the element lithium with mass number 7. It makes up the majority of natural lithium, accounting for roughly 92 to 93 percent of the element found in nature. The nucleus contains three protons and four neutrons.

Because 7Li is stable, it does not undergo radioactive decay. In chemical terms, lithium isotopes behave nearly identically, so 7Li is found in minerals and brines as part of ordinary lithium chemistry. The natural isotopic mix of lithium (7Li and 6Li) arises from geological processes, and most commercially available lithium compounds reflect this natural ratio rather than being enriched for a specific isotope.

Separation and enrichment of lithium isotopes are technically possible but expensive. Methods such as electromagnetic separation or other high-precision processes can produce lithium materials enriched in 7Li or 6Li, but such enrichment is uncommon outside specialized research or niche applications.

Applications of lithium-7 are primarily in scientific and specialized industrial contexts. Its stability and relatively low neutron capture cross-section (compared with 6Li) make 7Li-containing materials of interest in certain nuclear and fusion research contexts, where controlling neutron interactions or minimizing unintended tritium production is desirable. In general, most lithium used industrially remains a natural mixture of isotopes, and 7Li-enriched materials are reserved for specific experimental or technical needs.

Safety considerations for lithium and its compounds follow standard alkali metal handling guidelines. Lithium metal is highly reactive with water and air, requiring appropriate storage and handling precautions; lithium compounds should be handled according to applicable chemical safety protocols.