Science & Technology
Abundance of Lithium in Stars
- 01 Dec 2021
- 4 min read
Why in News
Recently, Scientists have found a clue to the mystery behind the high abundance of Lithium in some evolved stars.
- The mystery is the reason behind the high abundance of Lithium in stars, which according to predicted models must get destroyed in the hot plasma of the star.
- Lithium is a trace element on Earth, and a key component of rechargeable batteries.
Key Points
- Sample for Research: The research involved the investigation of lithium among red giants showed that just about 1% of sun-like red giants had a lithium-enriched surface.
- Research Methodology: The research surveyed (called GALAH - named after a common Australian bird) a collection of about 500,000 stars with well-determined physical and chemical properties, including lithium abundances.
- Findings of Research: Regarding the reason for Lithium production, scientists have for the first time confirmed that all the lithium-rich stars are burning helium in their core.
- They speculated that lithium production is linked to the violent helium-core flash.
- It is proposed to be a simple and short sequence of nuclear reactions involving a collision between the two stable helium isotopes which led to a stable lithium isotope.
- The survey revealed the rare presence of lithium-rich giants in all the Sun-like low-mass stars.
About Lithium
- Properties of Lithium:
- It is a chemical element with the symbol Li.
- It is a soft, silvery-white metal.
- Under standard conditions, it is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element.
- It is highly reactive and flammable, and must be stored in mineral oil.
- Lithium has become the new 'white gold' as the demand for high performing rechargeable batteries is rising.
- Rising global lithium demand and surging prices have drawn increased interest in the so-called ‘lithium triangle’ that spans parts of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
- Uses:
- Lithium metal is used to make useful alloys.
- For example, with lead to make ‘white metal’ bearings for motor engines, with aluminium to make aircraft parts, and with magnesium to make armour plates.
- In Thermonuclear reactions.
- To make electrochemical cells. Lithium is an important component in Electric Vehicles, Laptops etc.
- Lithium metal is used to make useful alloys.
- Countries with Largest Reserves:
- Chile> Australia> Argentina
- Lithium in India:
- Researchers at the Atomic Minerals Directorate (under India’s Atomic Energy Commission) have estimated lithium reserves of 14,100 tonnes in a small patch of land surveyed in Southern Karnataka’s Mandya district recently.
- Also to be India’s first ever Lithium deposit site found.
- Researchers at the Atomic Minerals Directorate (under India’s Atomic Energy Commission) have estimated lithium reserves of 14,100 tonnes in a small patch of land surveyed in Southern Karnataka’s Mandya district recently.
- Other Potential Sites in India:
- The major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Pegmatite (igneous rocks) belts in Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
- Brines of Sambhar and Pachpadra in Rajasthan, and Rann of Kachchh in Gujarat.
- Related Government Initiative:
- India, through a newly state-owned company Khanij Bidesh India Ltd, had signed an agreement with an Argentinian firm to jointly prospect lithium in Argentina.
- Khanij Bidesh India Ltd has a specific mandate to acquire strategic mineral assets such as lithium and cobalt abroad.
- India, through a newly state-owned company Khanij Bidesh India Ltd, had signed an agreement with an Argentinian firm to jointly prospect lithium in Argentina.
