A WHITE POWDERY mineral was discovered in Serbia this week that bears close resemblance to Kryptonite of Superman fame. The UK-Australian mining giant, Rio Tinto in Jadar, discovered the mineral but failed to identify it. 

 

Dr. Chris Stanley of the Natural History Museum of UK was contacted. According to him, when the chemical formula was searched on the web it revealed something rather startling— the mineral was identical to Kryptonite, the fictitious chemical in front of which Superman loses his powers. Lex Luther stole Kryptonite in the 2006 movie Superman Returns.

 

The chemical formula of the new substance comprises of sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide with an exception to flourine. The mineral will be named Jadarite once its uniqueness is established under the International scientific society.

 

As far as the Superman legend goes, the hero came from a planet named Krypton, which is also an element found on earth. Sir William Ramsay discovered krypton in 1898. It belongs to the family of inert gases like Helium, Argon and Neon. It is often used in signboards, flashy lights etc.

 

The new mineral has taken scientists by surprise. Researches are being conducted on the subject. The discovery of this white mineral is a boon for mankind as it can be used in its naturally occurring state as an important source of Lithium, which is available in a small quantity. It can be used in Lithium ion batteries or as a source of borate that is a cleaning agent popularly known as borax.

 

The startling coincidence is that Jerry Nigel, the creator of Superman named the hero’s home planet, Krypton. It is possible that Siegel was aware of the properties of Krypton, the element but the reason for having named a planet after it remains a mystery.

 

The discovery is in itself a miracle. The Superman series have had a realistic impact on the minds of the people. Various interpretations have come out related to the Krypton- Superman theory. For decades people almost believed that Superman could have been for real.

 

Geologists and mineralogists are conducting research on the newly discovered mineral. There is lot of curiosity among people across the globe by this fascinating discovery. The coincidence related with its discovery has made Jadarite instantly popular. The underlying fact is that the new mineral has a similar chemistry as the fictitious Kryptonite with the only exception being that of flourine. Further researches and studies will reveal its uses and mark the significance of this discovery.