Lithium

What was discovered

Arfwedson, in Berzelius's laboratory, identified a new alkali in petalite from the Utö mine; Brande and Davy isolated the metal by electrolysis in 1821.

The name derives from the Greek 'lithos', reflecting its mineral origin, unlike sodium and potassium, which were found in plants.

What it led to

• Lithium-ion batteries
• Psychiatric treatment with lithium salts
• Lubricating greases and lightweight aerospace alloys

Built on

• Wet-method mineral analysis
• Davy's electrolysis

Made possible

• Lithium therapy for mania1949
• Lithium-ion battery1980-1991
• Lithium-ion battery
• Low-expansion glass and ceramics

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