What is Lithium Ore?

Lithium is an alkali metal with the chemical symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white element and holds the distinction of being both the lightest metal and the lightest solid element under standard conditions. Similar to other alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable, requiring storage in mineral oil.

Types of Lithium Ores

1. Lepidolite: Lepidolite is a mineral belonging to the mica group, displaying shades of lilac-gray or rose color. Its chemical formula is K(Li,Al,Rb)2(Al,Si)4O10(F,OH)2. As the most abundant lithium-bearing mineral, it serves as a secondary source of this metal. Lepidolite is classified as a phyllosilicate mineral and falls within the polylithionite-trilithionite series.

2. Amblygonite: Amblygonite is a fluorophosphate mineral, (Li,Na)AlPO4(F,OH), consisting of lithium, sodium, aluminium, phosphate, fluoride, and hydroxide. It is commonly found in pegmatite deposits and can be easily mistaken for albite and other feldspars. Its density, cleavage, and flame test for lithium are distinguishing features.

3. Spodumene: Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral that contains lithium aluminium inosilicate, with the chemical formula LiAl(SiO3)2. It serves as a significant source of lithium. Spodumene appears as colorless to yellowish, purplish, or lilac crystals, and can also manifest as yellowish-green or emerald-green hiddenite. It often forms large prismatic crystals.

4. Petalite: Petalite, also known as castorite, is a lithium aluminium tectosilicate mineral with the chemical formula LiAlSi4O10. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and belongs to the feldspathoid group. Petalite occurs as tabular crystals or columnar masses, exhibiting colors such as colorless, grey, yellow, yellow-grey, or white.

Our trade process encompasses two options: CIF and FOB, which can be chosen based on the buyer’s preference.

1. Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF): In this arrangement, the seller assumes responsibility for various aspects, including loading the vessel, covering insurance costs, and arranging delivery to the buyer’s desired destination.

2. Freight On Board (FOB): With FOB, the seller takes care of transporting the goods to the designated port of shipment, along with associated loading expenses. However, the buyer is responsible for the marine freight transport costs, insurance, unloading, and subsequent transportation from the port of origin to the final destination.