2. Lithium sources and deposits

2.1 Minerals and ores

Lithium is present in the lithosphere at a concentration of around 60 ppm. . There are more than a hundred Li-containing mineral species, of which around 25 grade more than 2% Li ₂ O.

The three main lithium minerals are silicoaluminates, concentrated in siliceous rocks and pegmatites containing feldspars, micas and quartz :

• spodumene (4SiO ₂ •Al _2...