Metal Report

Metal Report

Lithium

It's no myth, just call us lith.

Nicolette, Nina, and Makena 

7.15.13

The production of lithium is a vital factor in the study of the metal. Lithium is found in the crystallized salt, and in the brine that underlies the crust. The recovery of lithium form hard rock metals through an open pit or underground hard rock mines using conventional mining techniques. The ore is then processed and concentrated using several methods before direct use or further processing into lithium compounds.

Some current uses for lithium include the following: mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia; for eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia; and for blood disorders, including anemia and low white-cell count (neutropenia). Although lithium is still used in bipolar disorder medications, it is less common nowadays. 

Lithium is also used for headache, alcoholism, epilepsy, diabetes, liver disease,kidney disorders, arthritis, a skin condition called seborrhea, and overactive thyroid. Also, lithium is used in heat transfer applications and it is used as an alloying agent in synthesizing organic compounds. 

Other uses include treatment of asthma, Huntington’s disease, Graves' disease,herpes simplex, a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia, Tourette’s syndrome, cyclical vomiting, Meniere's disease, a tingling or “crawling” sensation in the skin (paresthesias), and aggressive behavior in people with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

Lithium is also used in batteries; however, due to its high cost, scientists are trying to replace this lithium ion battery into zinc air batteries which are less costly, more energy dense, and safer. Valporic acid mimics lithium, and is another alternative for treated bipolar disease. 

Exactly how lithium works is unknown, but what we know is that it helps mental disorders by increasing the activity of chemical messengers in the brain.

Properties of Lithium
Malleability and ductility: high Electrical conductivity: high Thermal conductivity: high Chemical reactivity: high Resistance to corrosion: low Useful alloys formed: high Color and luster: grey and metallic

Chemical Properties of Lithium
Atomic number: 3 Atomic mass: 6.941 Density: 0.53 g.cm Melting point: 180.5 °C Boiling point: 1,342 °C Isotopes: 2 Discovered by: Johann Arfvedson

There is a 92.5% natural abundance of lithium. Lithium is the 25th most abundant element on the earth. The uses and demands of lithium are met easily by the production of the metal, and meet the high demand. 

It's no myth