For this reason, lithium metal is typically stored under the cover of petroleum.Lithium in its elemental state is highly flammable.According to theory, lithium was one of the few elements synthesized in the Big Bang.Lithium also has important links to nuclear physics.This reaction is energetic, forming hydrogen gas and lithium hydroxide in aqueous solution.[8] Due to its reactivity with water, lithium is usually stored in mineral oil or kerosene.Lithium will ignite and burn in oxygen when exposed to water or water vapours.Lithium has a diagonal relationship with magnesium, an element of similar atomic and ionic radius.The name of this element was later standardized as lithium.The production and use of lithium underwent several drastic changes in history.