First uncovered in Serbia's Jadar Valley, Jadarite gained global notoriety in 2007 when researchers discovered its chemical formula mirrored the fictional substance from the 2006 film *Superman Returns*. Beyond its pop-culture fame, the white, non-radioactive powder is a rich source of both lithium and boron critical for Europe's electric vehicle batteries. However, commercial mining operations in the region are currently frozen due to local opposition. Scientists led by Francesco Putzolu have since documented the 16-million-year-old volcanic and soda lake conditions responsible for the deposit in hopes of locating new reserves globally.
Key points
Local community opposition has successfully halted commercial extraction of the mineral d…: Local community opposition has successfully halted commercial extraction of the mineral despite its significant industrial value.
The mineral's chemical formula of sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide remarkably mirr…: The mineral's chemical formula of sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide remarkably mirrors fictional Kryptonite from *Superman Returns*.
Geologists hope mapping the unique formation process will help discover similar lithium-r…: Geologists hope mapping the unique formation process will help discover similar lithium-rich deposits in other global regions.
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A mineral found in Serbia has an unusual connection to Superman's fictional Kryptonite. Known as Jadarite, the white mineral has almost the same chemical composition as the substance that weakens the superhero in comics and films. First discovered in 2004, it attracted international attention in 2007 when scientists identified its similarity to Kryptonite. Nearly two decades later, researchers at London's Natural History Museum have found that the mineral could also become an important source of lithium for
electric vehicles in Europe.
Unlike the glowing green Kryptonite shown in Superman stories, Jadarite is white, powdery and not radioactive. Its resemblance to the fictional substance is limited to its chemical composition. However, scientists are now more interested in the mineral's potential use in batteries than its connection to the superhero.
A study discussed by the Natural History Museum last year examined the conditions under which SJadarite formed and why it has so far been found in only one part of Serbia. The researchers believe that understanding these conditions could help scientists identify other locations where the mineral might exist.
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