Tritium is One of the Most Expensive Things On Earth

The most prevalent element in the universe is hydrogen, which contains seven isotopes yet only three of them naturally occur. The final one, hydrogen-3, is known as tritium and is both precious and rare. When cosmic rays strike nitrogen in the atmosphere, it can spontaneously develop, but this only results in trace levels. Additionally, it is created as a byproduct of nuclear reactors and in nuclear explosions.

Nuclear weapons are made from tritium, which is also used to make illuminating dials and for a variety of scientific and research endeavors. It is also one of the most expensive materials on earth, pound per pound. For instance, depending on a number of variables, a gram of pure gold may be worth roughly $70. Platinum may cost around $40 per gram.

Depending on where you acquire it, a gram of cocaine might cost as much as $120. A gram of tritium, though? You'll pay roughly $25,000 for that. A nuclear weapon contains about four grams of tritium to boost efficiency, make it more lethal while also making it lighter.