Elements

Lithium

By 2012-11-01T00:00:00

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Source: © NASA

John Emsley investigates the element that is the lightest of metals and celebrated in song

Lithium was one of only three elements created in the big bang - the other two were hydrogen and helium. In spite of this, it is a rare element because, while it is produced in the furnace of a star, it is later used as its fuel. 

Sometimes the detection of lithium in a star reveals a catastrophic event. In 2002, the red giant V838 Monocerotis was observed three times to flash 10 000 times brighter than normal. Its electromagnetic spectrum revealed vast amounts of lithium, as shown by the unique red line at 670.7 nm. The star had consumed three of its inner planets and as these vaporised they released their lithium. 

Lithium is popularly known for two uses: in batteries for electronic equipment and as medication for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Sufferers can experience mood swings from euphoria to misery. A daily dose of 250 mg Li2CO3 calms the brain for reasons not yet fully understood. Its benefits were extolled by the US rock band Evanescence in their 2007 song Lithium. 

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