Metals Documentation
Li3
Lithium
Alkali Metal
Last updated: January 2026Overview
The lightest alkali metal, essential for rechargeable batteries powering electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, and consumer electronics. Also used in ceramics, glass, and pharmaceutical applications.
Strategic Relevance
Backbone of the EV revolution. IEA projects 8x demand growth by 2040 under Net Zero scenarios. Australia and Chile dominate mining but China controls 70% of refining.
Applications
01EV batteries
02Energy storage systems
03Ceramics & glass
04Pharmaceuticals
05Lubricating greases
Price History
Historical price trend (USD/kg or USD/tonne)
Physical Properties
- Density
- 0.534 g/cm³
- Melting Point
- 180.5°C
- Atomic Number
- 3
- Category
- Alkali Metal
Supply Concentration
- Australia50%
- Chile25%
- China15%
- Argentina8%
- Other2%