Meet a Nevada Mineral: Lithium

Nevada is well known for its gold and silver mining, but the state produces more than 20 minerals we use every day. Here are 4 things you may not know about one of those minerals: Lithium.

Like a feather

Lithium is the lightest of all metals and soft enough in its pure form that it can be cut with a butter knife.

Powering the technologies of today and tomorrow

The creation of the lithium ion battery forever changed the world and the way the lithium is used. Today, nearly every electronic device requires a lithium battery. Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are just a few things people use daily that require the mineral to function. Electric vehicles also require a lithium battery.

It’s been around

Prior to the 1990’s lithium was typically used as a medicine, most commonly for mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. The mineral has the ability to treat manic episodes that individuals with these illnesses suffer from.

Distinctively Nevadan

While most of the lithium mined around the world comes from South America and Australia, Nevada has the potential to emerge as one of the leading producers in the world. Currently, Nevada is home to Albemarle’s Silver Peak Mine in Esmeralda County, the only operating lithium mine in North America. However, companies like Lithium Nevada are in the early stages of establishing new mines across Nevada, and the Silver State could soon be producing a quarter of the world’s lithium annually.