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Naming History
The name for Lithium is derived from the greek word lithos meaning "stone" due to its initial discovery in minerals.
Discovery
Lithium is one of three elements (others being Hydrogen and Helium) to be created by the Big Bang. The first traces of Lithium were discovered in petalite (LiAlSi4O10) and spodumene (LiAl(SiO3)2) by Jose Bonifacio de Andralada e Silva in the 1790's. Jose noted the curious nature of these minerals, including being difficult to analyze and producing an intense crimson flame when burned. In 1817, Johan August Arfwedson analyzed petalite and determined that it contained an unknown metal which he called Lithium. In 1818, Johan identified Lithium as a member of the Alkali Metals. However, it wasn't until 1855 when Robert Bunsen and Augustus Matthiessen independently isolated Lithium and were able to determine its physical properties.
Characteristics
Lithium is the first Alkali Metal on the periodic table. Additionally, Lithium is a rare element in the universe, but can be found in small proportions in many different places.
Lithium is the lightest metal and lightest solid element (density of 0.534 g/mL, which is comparable to pine wood).
Lithium metal is highly reactive and flammable and is often stored in mineral oil.
Lithium metal is soft enough that it can easily be cut with a knife.
Due to Lithium's extreme reactivity, it is not found in its metallic form in nature, but in ionic compounds.
There are small traces of Lithium in the human body with 4 parts per billion (ppb) in the blood, 1.3 parts per million (ppm) in bones, 24 ppb in other tissues resulting in an estimated 7 milligrams (mg) found in the body.
Lithium is also the 31st most abundent element in the Earths crust sitting at 20-70 ppm (or about 0.002 %).
Naturally Occurring Minerals
Lithium was first discovered in natural minerals such as petalite (LiAlSi4O10) and spodumene (LiAl(SiO3)2). It is also an important part of lepidolite and amblygonite. There are large deposits of Lithium containing minerals in South Dakota where a single ore weighing 10 tonnes was extracted. Chile is the largest producer of Lithium at 12,000 tonnes/year, with Australia (7,000 tonnes/year), China (3,500 tonnes/year) and Argentina (3,000 tonnes/year) acting as other suppliers for Lithium.
Where can I find this element @ home
Lithium can be found in ocean and seawater (0.14-0.25 ppm).
Lithium is an important component in household Lithium and Lithium-Ion batteries.
Small traces of Lithium can be found in grapes, seaweed, tobacco, vegetables, milk, and grains.
Lithium compounds are also used as medications to treat bipolar disorder or as a mood stabilizer.
Lithium greases or soaps are used as lubricants in automotive applications.
Red emergency flares contain Lithium compounds that appear a red color when burned.
Lithium fluoride (LiF) is often used in the focal lenses of telescopes.