Lithium
Geochemical Symbol: Li
Typical Detection Limit (Aqua Regia/ICP): 1 ppm. NOTE: most Li-bearing minerals resist strong-acid digestion. Total digestion or fusion (NOT using lithium tetraborate flux) are necessary if lithium minerals are the exploration target.
Typical Detection Limit (Neutron Activation): N/A

Detectability

Unknown; frequency distributions probably heavily truncated (censored) in most natural media


Exploration Geochemical Applications
1. As a Pathfinder

None, other than specialized applications.

2. As an Aid to Geological Mapping

Elevated Li values are indicative of felsic rocks, possibly of distinctive chemistry and origin.


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