Lithium

NAME: FRANCISCO DAVID

CHARLY ARDILES

What do we know about the

history of this mineral?

In 1800, Petalite (lithium aluminum silicate) was first discovered

by the Brazilian scientist Jos Bonifcio de Andrade e Silva. But it
was not until 1817 that Johan August Arfwedson, working
together with JnsJakob Berzelius, discovered the presence of a
new element while analyzing petalite ore. Berzelius gave to the
alkaline material the name lithos, from Greek , to reflect its
discovery in a mineral; its name was later standardized as
lithium.

What can highlight interesting

features in this item ? How it
looks
is
?
- Although lithium is a metal, it is soft enough to cut with a knife.

- Lithium is so light that it can float on water.

- Lithium fires are difficult to put out. You can't use water,
because water will react with the lithium and could make the fire
worse. A poder fire extinguisher is needed.

What is the status of this

mineral in Chile (existence ,
location
,
cost,
..)
?
Chile has approximately 25% of world lithium reserves, and it is

extracted from brines contained in Salar de Atacama, in the II

region. Also Codelco extracts lithium from Pedernales y
Maricunga.

Where else in the world is ?

Bolivia concentrates the 50% of world reserves of lithium in the

Salar de Uyuni, southwest of the country; followed by Chile with
25% in the Atacama Desert, to the north; and Argentina with 10%
in the provinces of Salta, Jujuy and Catamarca, to the northwest.;

What are the most important

chemical properties ?

Symbol: Li

AtomicNumber: 3

AtomicWeight: 6.94

Classification: Alkali metal

Phase at RoomTemperature: Solid

Density: 0.534 grams per cm cubed

Melting Point: 180.54C, 356.97F

Boiling Point: 1342C, 2448F

Discovered by: Johann August Arfvedson in 1817

What are the most important

physical properties ?

At room temperature lithium is a softmetal that is silvery-white in

color. It is the least dense of the solid elements and is the lightest
of all the metals. It has the highest specific heat capacity of any
solid element. Lithium is very reactive and flammable. It needs to
be stored in mineral oil because it will react with air or water. It
can cause burns if it comes into contact with the skin, also it is a
good conductor of heat and electricity as well as a highly reactive
element.

Can this be replaced by a

modern product like plastic ?

No, in fact lithium is considered the fuel of the future because it

replaces polluting hydrocarbons by making batteries for hybrid
and electric cars.