Lithium gets its name from the Greek word ‘lithos’ which means stone or rock. It was first detected by Johann August Arfvedson in 1817 when he was analyzing petalite ore. Lithium was isolated in its pure form by Humphry Davy, an English Chemist, in the year 1818.
Lithium is a silver-white, soft metal at room temperature. It is the lightest metal and the least dense solid element. Lithium is also highly inflammable, which means it can be stored only in a vacuum, or inert liquids such as purified kerosene or mineral oils. And, because of this, lithium fires are very difficult to put out. If your pour water, it will burn more! Only a powder fire extinguisher should be used.
Lithium is never found in its pure form in nature due to its reactive quality. But it is found as clay or ore in many places such as seawater, mineral springs, and igneous rocks.
We use lithium in many daily objects such as batteries, ceramics and glass. It is also used in lubricating greases, and anti-depression medicines.
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