Lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) is a chemical compound of lithium, carbon and oxygen that can be found in the lithia water. This salty and colorless compound has been used for processing metal oxides, and prescribed by psychiatrists as a mood stabilizer. In the early 1900’s the lithia waters were believed to have a variety of healing powers and was one of the many reasons Ashland became a travel destination.
Ashland’s Lithia Water also contains the following chemical elements: Sodium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Potassium Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate and Iron.
So drink up and enjoy!
To log this Earthcache you must go to the listed coordinates and email me the answers to the following questions. Please do not post your answers with your log or post spoiler photos.
1. What are the "healthy minerals" listed at the fountain?
2. Go ahead and take a sip and then describe the taste & smell.
3. What elements in the water make that special taste and smell?
4. What looks different about the lithia water and why?
5. This question is removed due to the vandalism of "Pioneer Mike" Waiting for replacement?
5. Bonus points for visiting the second lithia water site in nearby Lithia Park at N 42 11 610, W 122 43 071. You will see a hose attached to a pole where the lithia water is splashing on to the ground. What color is the deposit on the ground and why?
