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The most frequently mentioned feature of lithium is the one which informs that lithium is one of the lightest elements among metals. Lithium is a very common element in nature, but it is only found in the form of salt. An interesting fact is that most life processes take place without its participation, and yet its small doses bring great health benefits.
Lithium – general characteristics
Lithium is a chemical element named after the Greek word ‘lithos’, meaning rock. In its pure form, lithium is a soft silver-white metal. However, due to its high reactivity, lithium does not exist in nature in its free state, but only in the form of compounds. Lithium occurs in pegmatites, i.e. igneous rocks, and in sea water. This element is most often obtained from brines and clays. Trace amounts of lithium are present in all organisms, but its presence does not significantly affect any biological function. Man can live a healthy life without lithium, but the secondary functions of this element have not yet been ruled out.
Lithium – occurrence
As already mentioned, lithium, despite its spread, does not exist in nature in its free form. The total lithium content in salt water (from the seas and oceans) is estimated at 230 billion tons. The highest concentrations of lithium in salt water are recorded near geothermal springs. Lithium is found in igneous rocks and the most abundant in granites. Generally speaking, lithium is a rare element and it is difficult to derive its deposits from deposits. Although it occurs in many rocks and brines, the concentration of this element is usually very low. Only a few of these sources allow the extraction of larger amounts of lithium. One of the largest lithium reserves is in Bolivia in the Salar de Uyuni area. The world’s largest producers of lithium are countries such as Chile, Argentina, Australia and China. Lithium is also found, albeit in small amounts, in many plants, plankton and invertebrates.
Properties of lithium
Although it has been found that one can live a healthy life without lithium, it is suggested that a person should provide the body with about 1 mg of this element daily. The properties of lithium include:
- participation in the transport of B vitamins to cells – especially vitamins B8, B9 and B12;
- supporting fertility preservation;
- preventing the inhibition of the growth process in children;
- reduces the risk of depression;
- influence on the stimulation of the formation of red blood cells;
- modeling and inhibiting the action of NMDA receptors, which protects against excess glutamate;
- increasing the immune properties of lymphocytes and macrophages;
- inhibiting the progression of Alzheimer’s disease;
- treatment of depression, bipolar disorder and helps with schizophrenia;
- stimulating the reconstruction of nerve cells – especially after a stroke or spinal cord injury;
- reducing the risk of relapse, for example in treating alcoholism.
Lithium – what is its use?
Lithium has been used in many industries. The most common uses for lithium are:
- glass and ceramics – lithium oxide is used to melt silicon dioxide, which is used to make glass and ceramic products;
- chemical power source – lithium is used in lithium-ion batteries;
- lubricants – lithium soap is used to thicken oils and is used in the production of universal lubricants;
- nuclear weapons – lithium is used as a substrate for the production of tritium, or radiohydrogen.