LITHIUM

THIS ARTICLE IS ABOUT THE USE OF LITHIUM AS A MEDICATION.

Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol LI. It is a

soft, silvery-white alkali meta. Under standard conditions,
it is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. Like
all alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable,
and must be stored in mineral oil. When cut exhibits a
metallic luster, but moist air corrodes it quickly to a dull
silvery gray, then black tarnish. It never occurs freely in
nature, but only in (usually ionic) compounds, such as
pegmatitic minerals, which were once the main source of
lithium. It is present ocean water and commonly obtained
from brines. Lithium metal is isolated electrolytically from
a mixture lithium chloride and potassium chloride.
Lithium and its compounds have several industrial
applications, including heat-resistant glass and ceramics,
lithium grease lubricants, flux additives for iron, steel and
aluminum production, lithium batteries, and lithium ion
batteries.