Description

Lithium ore is a naturally occurring mineral resource that serves as the primary source of lithium, a highly valuable element used extensively in modern industries. It is commonly extracted from hard rock deposits such as spodumene (LiAl(SiO₃)₂), lepidolite, and petalite, or from lithium-rich brines found in salt flats.

The ore typically appears in colors ranging from white to pale green or gray, depending on its mineral composition and level of purity. Among these, spodumene is the most commercially significant lithium-bearing mineral due to its high lithium content and ease of processing.

Key Characteristics:

Chemical Composition: Primarily lithium aluminum silicate (LiAl(SiO₃)₂)

Appearance: Whitish to greenish crystalline rock

Density: Approximately 3.0–3.2 g/cm³

Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale

Lithium Oxide (Li₂O) Content: Typically ranges from 4% to 8% depending on ore grade

Applications:
Lithium extracted from the ore is a critical raw material for:

1. Lithium-ion batteries (used in electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and renewable energy storage)
2. Glass and ceramics (for heat-resistant and lightweight materials)
3. Lubricating greases (for industrial and mechanical use)
4. Pharmaceuticals and air treatment systems

Global Sources:
Major lithium ore deposits are found in countries such as Australia, Chile, China, Zimbabwe, and Brazil, with Australia being the world’s leading producer of hard rock lithium ore (spodumene).