Lithium minerals

Abstract

Lithium is a critical element in modern technology, and lithium minerals will play a key role in the fight against climate change. However, the demand for lithium‐ion batteries is dependent on an expanding supply of primary resources. Lithium occurs in limited amounts on the Earth in a surprising diversity of mineral species, from pyroxenes to amphiboles, phyllosilicates to phosphates. This article examines the principal mineral groups likely to be a target for future exploitation.