Lithium is the third element in the periodic table and the lightest classified as a metal, discovered in 1817 by Swedish scientist Johan August Arfwedson.
Lithium is soft and silver. It is lighter than water, about half of its density, so it can even float.
What makes lithium attractive for industrial application is the fact it has the highest electrochemical potential among all the metals.
It is ideal for use in rechargeable batteries, providing efficient energy storage.
Lithium is therefore an element of rising importance.
This is highlighted by the British Geological Survey (2015) in their metal risk list. This list evaluates the supply risk index of metals according to several factors such as production, concentration, distribution, and substitutability.
Lithium has been ranked with an index of 7.6 (out of 10), the same as the platinum group elements, increasing its index from a 5.5 in 2011, and a 6.7 in 2012.
Lithium in various forms, such as lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and lithium chloride, is also used in lubricant greases, pharmaceuticals, catalysts, and air treatment.