Dissolving lithium in anhydrous ammonia

Here's an interesting reaction where lithium metal is dissolved in anhydrous ammonia. I placed a couple small pieces of lithium in a test tube, then connected the tube to a larger flask of ammonium hydroxide via silicone tubing. Upon heating the flask, gaseous ammonia will be produced which is condensed in the test tube by cooling it with a bath of alcohol and dry ice. The resulting solution is brilliant bronze in color, but at lower lithium concentrations, the solution is deep blue -- a very beautiful reaction.

Lithium sheet metal and zirconium powder

I found some interesting materials at a local fleamarket (http://www.electronicsfleamarket.com/): a canister of lithium sheet metal, and a bottle of fine zirconium powder (325 mesh). The zirconium is stored under water since the dry power can self-ignite, or may be ignited by static electricity or shock. Confusingly, the MSDS sheets say that dry zirconium powder must not be allowed near water, but http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifif it is to be stored, it must be completely submerged in water. I carefully dried a very small amount, and sprinkled it over a flame.

If you know of something interesting to do with these chemicals, please let me know.