The chemical symbol for lithium is "Li." Lithium is a soft, silvery-white metal belonging to the alkali metal group on the periodic table. It is the lightest metal and has several important applications, most notably in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. Additionally, lithium is used in mood-stabilizing medications to treat bipolar disorder. Its unique properties make it highly sought after in various technological and medical fields, leading to increased exploration for sustainable lithium extraction methods.