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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