300 0000011075 0000082730It’s true! Scientists have discovered a NEW mineral in the Serbian wilderness:

Researchers from mining group Rio Tinto discovered the unusual mineral and enlisted the help of Dr Stanley when they could not match it with anything known previously to science.

Once the London expert had unravelled the mineral’s chemical make-up, he was shocked to discover this formula was already referenced in literature – albeit fictional literature.

“Towards the end of my research I searched the web using the mineral’s chemical formula – sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide – and was amazed to discover that same scientific name, written on a case of rock containing kryptonite stolen by Lex Luther from a museum in the film Superman Returns.

“The new mineral does not contain fluorine (which it does in the film) and is white rather than green but, in all other respects, the chemistry matches that for the rock containing kryptonite.”


Sadly, the mineral cannot be called “Krptonite” since it has nothing to do with the existing mineral kypton. Instead it will be known as Jadarite. Scientists say the mineral does not glow and is harmless, but WE know better. Expect a parade of supervillains staging raids on the world’s only known deposits.

[Thanks to Maclaine and all who sent me the link.]

UPDATE: DC’s official PR in jump

he line between comic book fiction and reality blurred together today in the form of a white, brittle rock. Kryptonite, the sometimes green, glowing mineral that has plagued Superman for decades was discovered somewhere outside the confines of a paneled page – specifically, Serbia.

A new mineral, matching the chemical composition for kryptonite suggested in ‘Superman Returns,’ was discovered by a team of geologists in a Serbian mine, according to London’s Natural History Museum. Unable to find a suitable match to a known mineral, the geologists turned to the Internet, which revealed the rock’s relation to the most famous element in comic books.

“The universe is full of mysteries, and some have been foreshadowed by comics,” said Paul Levitz, DC Comics President and Publisher. “We look forward to scientists figuring this one out.”

The real world version of “kryptonite” – which according to media reports will be officially named “jadarite,” after the place where it was discovered and because it does not contain the element krypton – is white, does not glow and is reportedly harmless to humans and/or natives of the planet Krypton.

Despite the harmless nature of this world’s kryptonite, Superman is far from off the hook. The first storyline in the newly-launched ongoing SUPERMAN CONFIDENTIAL series, from writer Darwyn Cooke (New Frontier) and artist Tim Sale (whose work has been featured on NBC’s “Heroes”), revealed a new take on Superman’s first encounter with the malicious mineral, and how it affected a young Superman’s early career as a hero.

The mineral, which is a potential source of lithium and boron, will be put on display tomorrow at the West London museum. Reports that the mineral will be encased in lead are unconfirmed.

8 COMMENTS

  1. Super-geeky question–is there a white kryptonite? And if so, what does t hat do? to Kryptonians? Maybe they just discovered one of the many hews of the mineral?

  2. @Al Taylor,

    well as far as we (Serb ppl) are concerned you can take it and shove it up yer cute little butt! :) Cheers!

  3. When I first heard about this discovery I was very interseted on knowing all about it. Because I have a thing for chemistry/science & Superman is just I guess an idol, well more of just something nice to imagen. I am a 14 year old girl & I just still want to know more about it !!!

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