While kryptonite may be best known as Superman’s ultimate weakness, its real-world twin, jadarite, could be humanity’s secret weapon in the shift to clean energy. First discovered in Serbia’s Jadar Basin in 2004, jadarite is a rare white mineral made of sodium lithium borosilicate hydroxide—almost chemically identical to the fictional version. Now, scientists at the Natural History Museum in the U.K. have figured out the exact "recipe" for how this rare mineral forms, explaining why it’s only ever been found in one place on Earth.

Researchers found that jadarite only forms under extremely precise geological conditions—think of it like baking a cake where the temperature, ingredients, and timing have to be just right. For jadarite to crystallize, an unusual combination is needed: an alkaline-rich closed lake, volcanic glass full of lithium, and clay minerals all interacting in perfect harmony. If even one factor is off—too acidic, too cold—it doesn’t form.

Why does this matter? Jadarite is incredibly rich in lithium, which is crucial for powering electric vehicle batteries and future fusion reactors. The Jadar deposit alone could supply up to 90% of Europe’s lithium needs. By understanding how jadarite forms, scientists now have a guide to look for it elsewhere, potentially unlocking more low-cost, high-efficiency sources of this critical mineral.

So while kryptonite might weaken Superman, jadarite could help supercharge a greener future for us all.

Nature Geoscience volume 18, page454 (2025)