Potassium

What is potassium?

Discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in the 1800's, potassium is one of the most reactive and electropositive of metals. The only metal that is lighter than potassium is lithium. The silvery white metal is soft and easy to cut, so much so that it can be cut with a knife.

 The metal must be stored in a mineral oil, such as kerosene, as it oxidizes rapidly in air and catches fire spontaneously when exposed to water. Its decomposition in water evolves hydrogen. Potassium is sometimes called "potash", as it is the word potassium evolved from.

Potassium minerals, when burned, make a pretty purple flame. Also, potassium salts, when added to a fire, have the same effect on the color.

Where is potassium found?
Potassium is the 7th most abundant element on earth, making up 2.4% of the earth's crust, by weight. Potassium is not found free in nature. Potassium was the first metal isolated by electrolysis. Thermal methods are also used to produce potassium. Sylvite, langbeinite, carnallite, and polyhalite form extensive deposits in ancient lake and sea beds, from which potassium salts can be obtained. In addition to other locations, potash is mined in Germany, Utah, California, and New Mexico. Potassium can be found also in dirts, fertilizers and its minerals can be found in water, which brings us to our next subject:

What is potassium used for?
 Potash is in high demand for fertilizers. Also, as potassium is found in dirt, it is vital for plant growth and development.