10 Lithium Facts

Here are some facts about lithium. You can get more detailed information from the Periodic Table entry for lithium.

1. Lithium is the third element in the periodic table, with 3 protons and the element symbol Li.

2. Lithium is an alkali metal.

3. Lithium metal burns white, though it imparts a crimson color to a flame.

4. Lithium does not occur free in nature, though it is found in nearly all igneous rocks and in mineral springs.

5. Pure lithium metal is extremely corrosive and requires special handling.

6. Lithium is the lightest metal, with a density about half that of water. In other words, if lithium did not react with water (which it does, somewhat vigorously), it would float.

7. Among other uses, lithium is used in medicine, as a heat transfer agent, for making alloys, and for batteries.

8. The transmutation of lithium to tritium was the first man-made nuclear fusion reaction.

9. The name for lithium comes from Greek lithos which means stone. Lithium occurs in most igneous rocks, although it does not occur free in nature.

10. Lithium metal is made by electrolysis of fused lithium chloride.