Lithium ore refers to ores containing the lithium (Li) element. Lithium is an alkali metal element and mainly exists in the form of compounds in nature. Lithium ores are mainly divided into hard rock lithium ores and brine lithium ores. Hard rock lithium ores mainly include spodumene (LiAl(Si₂O₆)) and lepidolite (K(Li,Al)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(F,OH)₂), among which spodumene is the most important hard rock lithium ore resource. Brine lithium ores are lithium resources existing in salt lake brine or underground brine. For example, the brine of the Atacama Salt Lake in Chile is a world-famous brine lithium ore.
Color and Appearance
Spodumene has a variety of colors, commonly white, gray, light green or pink. Its crystals are usually columnar, plate-like or granular. Lepidolite is generally pale purple, rose red or white, and its crystals are mostly pseudo-hexagonal flaky. The appearance of these ores makes them easily recognizable in ore specimens. For example, the columnar crystals of spodumene can be arranged in a directional manner in the ore vein, while the flaky crystals of lepidolite stack like sheets of thin paper.
Hardness and Density
The hardness of spodumene is about 6.5 - 7, which belongs to medium-hard ores and can leave scratches on softer ores such as gypsum and calcite. Its density is generally between 3.0 - 3.2 g/cm³. The hardness of lepidolite is slightly lower, about 2 - 3.5, and the density is about 2.8 - 2.9 g/cm³, which is relatively light. This makes it possible to distinguish it from other ores by methods such as density difference during the ore sorting process.
Luster and Transparency
Spodumene has a vitreous luster and its transparency ranges from transparent to translucent. This luster and transparency give it a certain ornamental value when processed into gemstones. For example, pink spodumene is known as "lilac" and can be made into jewelry. Lepidolite also has a vitreous luster and is usually in a translucent state. The characteristics of its luster and transparency also give it potential application in some decorative material fields.
Chemical Reactivity
Lithium is an element with relatively high chemical reactivity. Lithium compounds in lithium ores are prone to react with water, acids, etc. under certain conditions. For example, spodumene will decompose under high temperature and strong acidic environment, releasing lithium ions. In a humid environment, the lithium element in lithium ores may also have a slow chemical reaction with water, generating lithium hydroxide and other compounds.
Redox Properties
The lithium element can exhibit a +1 oxidation state in compounds. In redox reactions, lithium has a relatively strong reducing property. For example, lithium can react with oxygen to form lithium oxide (Li₂O). In this reaction process, lithium atoms lose electrons and are oxidized. In the chemical reactions of some battery materials, the redox properties of lithium are also fully utilized. For example, in the charging and discharging process of lithium-ion batteries, lithium undergoes redox reactions between the positive and negative electrodes to realize the storage and release of electrical energy.
Battery Industry
Lithium ore is a key raw material for the production of lithium-ion batteries. With the increasing global demand for clean energy and portable electronic devices, the market demand for lithium-ion batteries is also growing rapidly. Lithium compounds such as lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide obtained after the refining and processing of lithium ore are used to manufacture battery cathode materials, such as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) and ternary materials (such as LiNiCoMnO₂). These battery materials can provide battery performance with high energy density and long cycle life and are widely used in many fields such as electric vehicles, smart phones, and laptop computers.
Ceramics and Glass Industry
In the ceramics and glass industry, lithium ore can act as a flux. Adding a small amount of lithium compounds can lower the melting temperature of ceramics and glass and improve their fluidity and plasticity. For example, in the production of some high-grade ceramic tableware and special glasses, the addition of lithium ore can make the product surface smoother, reduce bubbles and defects, and improve the quality and appearance of the product. At the same time, lithium can also enhance the thermal stability and chemical stability of ceramics and glass, enabling them to withstand higher temperatures and chemical corrosion.
Grease Industry
Lithium-based grease is an important lubricant, which is a grease with lithium soap as a thickener. Lithium hydroxide obtained after the processing of lithium ore is a key raw material for the production of lithium-based grease. Lithium-based grease has good high and low temperature performance, water resistance and mechanical stability and is widely used in industrial fields such as automobiles and machinery. It can effectively reduce friction and wear and extend the service life of equipment.