Biello Element Profile

Lithium is the lightest metal and was discovered in 1800 by Jose Bonifacio in a Swedish iron mine. It has an atomic number of 3 and is the least electropositive of the alkali metals. Lithium floats on water and is flammable when exposed to air or water. It is commonly used in batteries and as a mood stabilizer. Lithium is found in igneous rock and mineral springs and is gathered and purified from those sources.