Lithium general description
Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal with a low density, making it highly reactive and flammable when exposed to air or water. It has a wide range of applications, including in rechargeable batteries for electronic devices and electric vehicles due to its high energy density, as well as in ceramics, glass, lubricants, and psychiatric medication to treat bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Lithium also has some industrial applications, such as in the production of aluminum, magnesium, and nuclear reactors.
Lithium carbonate
Lithium carbonate is a white salt that has many uses in different fields. It is mainly used as a precursor to compounds used in lithium-ion batteries, which power many portable devices. It is also used in ceramic and glass production, as it lowers the melting point of silica and changes the color of metal oxides. Also, it is used in carbon dioxide detection, curing cements and adhesives, aluminum industry, and treatment for bipolar disorder.
It is commercialized as lithium carbonate battery grade (99.5%) and technical grade (99%).
Notes
Data from Delta Analysis and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
To download the data, click the cloud in the right corner at the bottom of the figure.