Lithium

Because is the lightest of all metals and has a high specific heat, i.e., transmits molecular energy readily, it is used in high-temperature, heat transfer applications, such as, nuclear reactors, aircraft and satellite metal alloys, glasses, and ceramics.   Lithium is used to treat manic-depression (bipolar disorder), to degas metals during reduction operations, to scavenge gases from gas lamps, and to create red colors in pyrotechnics.   It is used in dry cells and storage batteries.   Lithium chloride and lithium bromide are very hygroscopic (absorb moisture readily), which make them useful for air conditioning and drying systems.   Lithium stearate in oils is used as a high-temperature lubricant. ^{Lide 4-17}   Lithium carbonate is the most widely used compound for cooking ware, flat-top cracking, and flux to lower the operating tremperatures in aluminum reduction cells.   Lithium stearate is a soap used as a gelling agent to solidify greases.   Lithium hydride is used as a source of hydrogen: ^{How 84}

Lithium was discovered in 1817 by Johan Arfwedson, a Swedish chemist.   Lepidolite, spodumene, petalite and amblygonite are important lithium minerals.   Lithium is produced electrolytically from its fused chloride. ^{Lide 4-17}