Science

Serbian Mineral Jadarite Sparks Interest as Potential Lithium Source

By TOI Science Desk

A white mineral discovered in Serbia, called Jadarite, has a chemical composition that closely resembles the fictional Kryptonite from Superman stories. First found in 2004, the mineral attracted international attention in 2007 when scientists at London’s Natural History Museum noted its similarity to the fictional substance. Jadarite is white, powdery, non‑radioactive, and its resemblance to Kryptonite is limited to its chemical formula, sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide.

Researchers at the Natural History Museum have since studied Jadarite’s formation and potential uses. A 2023 study published in Nature Geoscience, led by Francesco Putzolu, found that the mineral formed from a rare combination of volcanic activity and highly alkaline soda lakes that existed in the region up to 16 million years ago. This unique set of conditions explains why Jadarite has only been found in Serbia’s Jadar Valley.

The mineral also contains lithium in quantities comparable to spodumene, a common lithium‑bearing ore, and commercially valuable boron. According to the museum, the Serbian deposit holds nearly a hundred million tonnes of Jadarite, which could supply up to ninety‑percent of Europe’s lithium needs for electric‑vehicle batteries if mining were approved.

Local opposition has prevented mining operations, and the deposit remains unexploited. Scientists say that understanding Jadarite’s geological formation could help identify other potential deposits and inform discussions about its future use in clean‑energy technologies.