Lithium

GS-I | Geography

1.       Lithium is found in pegmatite ores such as spodumene, lepidolite and in amblygonite ores.

2.      It constitutes about 0.002 percent of Earth’s crust.

3.      AustraliaChile, and Portugal were the world’s largest suppliers.

4.      Bolivia has half of the world’s lithium deposits though not a major producer of lithium.

5.      The major commercial form is lithium carbonate, Li2CO3.

PROPERTIES:

1.       The purest form of Lithium is obtained by the process of Electrolysis using Graphite anodes and steel cathodes.

2.      Lithium floats on water and is highly reactive with it. 

3.      The alkali metal exhibits no natural radioactivity

4.      Lithium salts have complex effects when absorbed into the body. They are not highly toxic, although high levels can be fatal. 

USES:

1.       In metallurgy, the active element is used as a scavenger (remover of impurities) in the refining of such metals as ironnickelcopper, and zinc and their alloys.

2.      As an Initiator of polymerization, for example, in the production of synthetic rubber.

3.      Production of other organic chemicals, especially pharmaceuticals.

4.      Rechargeable lithium storage batteries for electric vehicles and for power storage.

5.      Lightweight lithium-magnesium alloys harder than aluminium alone, have structural applications in the aerospace and other industries

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