Lithium ore refers to naturally occurring mineral deposits that contain lithium in economically extractable concentrations. Lithium is a soft, lightweight alkali metal, but in nature it is never found in free metallic form. Instead, it occurs within hard-rock minerals and brine deposits.
Lithium ores are the primary raw materials used to produce lithium chemicals and lithium metal, which are critical for rechargeable batteries, energy storage systems, ceramics, glass, lubricants, and advanced alloys.
Common Lithium Ore Minerals
Lithium in solid ore form is mainly recovered from the following minerals:
| Mineral | Chemical Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spodumene | LiAl(SiO₃)₂ | Most important commercial source; high Li content |
| Lepidolite | Li-mica group | Secondary lithium source |
| Petalite | LiAlSi₄O₁₀ | Low iron; preferred for glass & ceramics |
| Hectorite | Na–Mg–Li silicate | Lithium-rich clay |
⚠ Lithium is also recovered from brines (saline groundwaters), which are not ores but represent a major global lithium source.
Composition & Chemical Characteristics
• Element: Lithium (Li), atomic number 3 — lightest solid element
• Common chemical forms: Li₂O, Li₂CO₃, LiOH, LiCl
• Typical ore grades: 1–3% Li₂O (raw ore)
• Concentrates: 6–7%+ Li₂O for industrial processing
• Host geology: Pegmatites, granitic rocks, clays
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Properties of Lithium Metal (derived from ore)
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ~0.534 g/cm³ (lightest solid metal) |
| Melting Point | ~180.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | ~1,342 °C |
| Appearance | Soft, silvery metal |
| Mechanical Strength | Very low (non-structural) |
Note: Lithium ore minerals themselves are hard, brittle silicate rocks with typical mining and crushing behavior, very different from lithium metal.
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
Lithium ore is not used structurally. Its metallurgical importance lies in extraction and chemical transformation rather than mechanical strength.
• Spodumene roasting converts α-phase to β-phase to improve reactivity
• Chemical leaching releases lithium ions
• Final products are lithium compounds (Li₂CO₃, LiOH), not structural metals
Hard-Rock Ore Processing
• Mining & crushing (pegmatite deposits)
• Concentration by gravity or flotation
• Roasting to alter mineral structure
• Acid or alkaline leaching
• Purification and crystallization of lithium compounds
Brine Processing
• Pumping lithium-rich brine
• Solar evaporation and salt concentration
• Chemical extraction and purification
⚠ Processing is energy-intensive and requires careful environmental management.
Available Forms of Lithium Products
| Product Form | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| Spodumene concentrate | Feedstock for lithium chemicals |
| Lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) | Batteries, ceramics, glass |
| Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) | EV batteries (NMC chemistries) |
| Lithium chloride (LiCl) | Electrolytes, metallurgy |
| Lithium metal | Specialty alloys, aerospace |
Key Characteristics
✔ Extremely high electrochemical potential
✔ Very low density
✔ Chemically reactive
✔ Strategically critical mineral
✔ Essential for modern energy storage
Major Applications
Primary Uses
• Rechargeable batteries (EVs, electronics, grid storage)
• Ceramics & glass (flux, thermal shock resistance)
• Lubricants (high-temperature lithium greases)
• Lightweight alloys (aerospace)
• Pharmaceuticals (mood stabilizers)
• Nuclear & specialty chemistry
Advantages of Lithium (From Ore)
✔ Highest energy storage per unit mass
✔ Enables lightweight battery systems
✔ Broad industrial and technological applications
✔ Critical for global clean-energy transition
Why Choose Lithium Ore as a Raw Material
Lithium ore underpins the entire lithium value chain — from mining to battery manufacturing. Its strategic importance continues to grow as electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and advanced electronics drive long-term global demand.