A two-pound rod of lithium was stolen from the Gould-Simpson building, UA officials announced Friday ÷ the same day the country was put on a high state of alert for a terrorist attack.

The rod, which cannot be used as a terrorist weapon, was stolen Thursday from a shipment of 10 boxes destined for the Laboratory of Isotope Geochemistry.

"It's not the type of material you can make a bomb with," UA risk manager Steve Holland told the Arizona Daily Star.

The alkali metal, most commonly used in batteries, was in a box with a green sticker warning, "Do not expose to water."

Lithium is readily available commercially, although it must be handled carefully, as any form of moisture could start a fire or burn anyone who comes in contact with it. It may also self-ignite if exposed to air, according to UA News Services.

Lithium is also used for medicinal purposes, greases and some glasses and is priced at about $300 per pound, according to Webelements.com.

No leads as to the whereabouts of the rod have been found, said UAPD Commander Kevin Haywood.

If anyone finds the box, do not open it and call 911 immediately.