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     Lithium has a number of different uses in different sectors of society. The most common use is in lithium batteries. These are lightweight and are not as toxic as lead and cadmium batteries. These batteries have applications as small as watch batteries and as large as military and space vehicles.

     In 1949 it was discovered by John Cade, an Australian physician, that lithium carbonate could be used to treat bipolar disorder. It lowers the highs and raises the lows that are symptoms of bipolar disorder. Lithium carbonate now proves effective treatment for 60% of people with bipolar disease.

     Lithium carbonate is also used in glass and ceramics as a strengthening agent.

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