It used to be considered a rare element, though as a budding young scientist I had a sample that arrived inside a blue box the size of cigarette pack that arrived in the mail one month. Included was a small yellow booklet with suggested experiments, not that I remember any of them. Gee, that was back in the ‘50s!
Today, of course, lithium has become a household name due to its special applications.
Here are ten considerations:
- In its pure state, it’s a soft, silvery-white metal, highly reactive and flammable, requiring careful storage. The lightest of metals, No. 3 on the periodical table of the elements, it can float on water, a quality it shares with sodium and potassium.
- It’s highly corrosive, tarnishes rapidly, and is hazardous to the touch.
- It’s soft enough to be cut with a knife and has a density comparable to pine wood.
- Lithium compounds are the heart of rechargeable batteries for laptops, cell phones, electric cars, and cameras, as well as non-rechargeable batteries.
- Industrial applications include lubricants, heat-resistant glass and ceramics, and iron, steel, and aluminum production.
- Medically, it’s used as a mood stabilizer, an antidepressant, and other mental health issues.
- It serves as a fusion fuel in thermonuclear weapons and is critical to the operation of many nuclear reactors. It’s also used in rocket and torpedo propellants.
- It colors some red fireworks and flares and is also used as an air purifier.
- Although found in rocks and brines in low concentrations, lithium has few deposits of commercial value. The largest reserves are in Australia, Chile, China, Argentina, Boliva, the Czech Republic, and Afghanistan. Maine is also optimistic about potential mining sites. As for economic value? Think of the next Saudi Arabia.
- It was an ingredient in the original 7 Up recipe.
Jnana's Red Barn 