Abstract
THE recent results of Mile. Gleditsch (Comptes rendus, cxlvi., p. 331) corroborating those of Prof. McCoy, viz. that lithium is generally, but not always, a constituent of radio-active minerals containing copper, and that there is no fixed proportionality between the copper and the lithium in these minerals, must not be taken to have the exclusive significance which their authors attribute to them. As explained in our original communication to the Chemical Society, we are inclined to believe that sodium, and perhaps also potassium, are products of the degradation of copper salts when in contact with radium emanation. As both these metals are constituents of ordinary glass, and as the experiments were carried out in glass vessels, the only argument which was used was that the weight of the residue from the treated was greater than that from the untreated copper salt. Lithium was, mentioned because it is an unlikely constituent of dust, glass, copper, &c., which were tested specially to prove its absence; it was certainly contained in the treated residue. Inasmuch as the emanation in contact with water yields neon, on the probable supposition that monatomic gases are produced from the emanation, it would follow that the production of any particular one is dependent on surrounding conditions. It will be remembered that the gases from the action of the emanation on a solution of copper sulphate contained no helium, but probably argon. As sodium and potassium are much more widely distributed than lithium, it is more likely that they are the chief products from copper, and that some modifying circumstance has determined the formation of a trace of lithium. Experiments now in progress in silica vessels will settle this point. Numerous chemical analogies might be adduced in favour of this view. For example, the action of bleaching powder on ammonia solution is to give nitrogen for the most part; if much ammonia be present, and if glue or some other colloid be present, hydrazine is the chief product. One can only be guided by such analogies in determining the lines of future experiments.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
RAMSAY, W. Lithium in Radio-Active Minerals . Nature 77, 412 (1908). https://doi.org/10.1038/077412b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/077412b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.