Lithium is a soft, silvery-white metal, the lightest metal on Earth. It's so light that it can float on water as it reacts with it, and so soft you could cut it with a butter knife.

Despite weighing almost nothing, lithium packs incredible power. It stores energy remarkably well, which makes it essential for rechargeable batteries in phones, laptops, electric cars, and countless other devices. When you charge your tablet or use a cordless drill, you're probably relying on a lithium-ion battery. These batteries can hold a charge for a long time and be recharged hundreds of times, which is why they've become so important in modern technology.

Lithium also plays a crucial role in medicine. Doctors sometimes prescribe lithium compounds to help people with certain mental health conditions, particularly bipolar disorder, where they help stabilize mood swings.

Today, most lithium comes from salt flats in South America and mineral deposits in Australia. As electric vehicles become more common, demand for lithium keeps growing, making it one of the most sought-after metals in the world.