[Rockhounds] Scientists discover $540 billion worth of 'white gold' sitting beneath giant lake

[Kreigh Tomaszewski]

*Scientists have discovered $540 billion worth of 'white gold' sitting
underneath a huge lake.*

Located in southern California <https://www.unilad.com/us-news>, Salton Sea
is the largest in the state and sits on a lithium reservoir.

While scientists knew that the chemical element
<https://www.unilad.com/science> was there, they didn't know just how much
lithium was beneath the lake - and the true amount is pretty astounding.

Last year, it was revealed that there could actually be a staggering 18
million tons of lithium - also referred to as 'white gold' due to its value
<https://www.unilad.com/money> and appearance - rather than the previously
thought figure of four million tons.

For context, this would be enough to power
<https://www.unilad.com/environment> more than 382 million batteries
for electric
vehicles <https://www.unilad.com/electric-cars>.

https://www.unilad.com/news/lithium-white-gold-lake-california-642347-20240503