Lithium

(lith'e-um.) (Chem.) A metallic element belonging to the alkali group. It occurs in very minute quantities, but is somewhat widely spread. The metal is silver-white, much resembling pota ium in its properties; a freshly-cut surface tarnishes very readily. It is softer than lead, and may be drawn out into wire, and welded together by pre ure at the ordinary temp. It is the lightest known solid, its sp. gr. being only 0-578. It melts at 3560, and at a much higher temp. burns with a most intense white light. When thrown on to water it oxidizes rapidly, and floats about, but does not melt or inflame. Thrown on to strong nitric acid it takes fire, burning with an intense white light. It forms several compounds. At. weight, 7; symbol Li. Lith'ocarp, (-kahrp.) [From Gr. lithos, and kar pos, fruit.] (Pal.) Fo il or petrified fruit. [s. 548]