Mineralogy
45 BCE to 2215 CE
Mineralogy is a subject of geology specializing in the scientific study of chemistry, crystal structure, and physical (including optical) properties of minerals and mineralized artifacts.
Specific studies within mineralogy include the processes of mineral origin and formation, classification of minerals, their geographical distribution, as well as their utilization.
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Johan August Arfvedson, a Swedish chemist, discovers a new element, lithium, in 1817 during an analysis of petalite ore, an ore now recognized to be LiAl(Si2O5)2, taken from the Swedish island of Utü.
The element's name is derived from Greek lithos (stony; apparently because it is discovered from a mineral source whereas the other two common group 1 elements, sodium and potassium, were discovered from plant sources).
He subsequently discovers lithium in the minerals spodumene and lepidolite.