The most expensive materials discovered by man throughout history are characterized by their rarity, unique properties, and often, the difficulty associated with their extraction and production. Here are some of the most costly materials known to date:
1. **Antimatter**: Antimatter is the most expensive material known to humanity, with an estimated cost of approximately $100 trillion per gram when created in a laboratory. It is composed of antiparticles, which are the antimatter counterparts of particles such as antiprotons and positrons. The high cost is due to the immense amount of energy required to produce and contain it, as well as the difficulty in keeping it from annihilating with regular matter.
2. **Agarwood (Oud)**: This fragrant wood is derived from the Aquilaria tree, which produces a resin in response to fungal infection. The resin-laden heartwood is highly prized for its use in perfumes and incense. The price of high-quality agarwood can exceed $100,000 per kilogram due to its rarity and the labor-intensive process of extracting the resin.
3. **Tritanium**: Although not widely available for commercial use, tritanium is a hypothetical alloy composed of titanium and tritium (a rare isotope of hydrogen). The inclusion of tritium makes it incredibly expensive, with an estimated cost of around $30,000 per kilogram for the tritium alone.
4. **Californium-252**: This radioactive isotope has an estimated price of around $27 million per gram. It is used in radiotherapy and as a neutron source in various scientific and industrial applications, but its high radioactivity and scarcity contribute to its exorbitant cost.
5. **Diamond**: While not the rarest material, certain types of diamonds, such as the flawless, large, and vividly colored ones, can be incredibly expensive due to their desirability in the jewelry industry. For example, the 187.7-carat "Oppenheimer Blue" diamond sold for over $57 million in 2016.
6. **Plutonium-238**: This isotope is used in space missions for power generation. Its cost is approximately $4,000 per gram due to the complexity of its production and the strict regulatory controls governing its use and disposal.
7. **Platinum-Iridium Alloy**: This is one of the densest and most corrosion-resistant materials on Earth, with a price tag of around $50 per gram. It is used in high-quality fountain pens, medical implants, and in the manufacturing of spacecraft components.
8. **Saffron**: Known as the world's most expensive spice, saffron comes from the Crocus sativus flower. It takes about 225,000 stigmas to produce one pound of dried saffron, which can cost up to $5,000-$10,000 per pound.
9. **Painite**: A rare mineral, painite was considered the rarest gemstone for decades. It was first discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s and can cost up to $50,000-$60,000 per carat for high-quality specimens.
10. **Rhinoceros horn**: Although trade in rhinoceros horn is illegal due to the endangered status of the species, it remains highly valued in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asia, with prices reaching up to $65,000 per kilogram on the black market.
11. **Gold**: As a precious metal, gold is valuable due to its scarcity, malleability, and conductivity. Its price can fluctuate but typically ranges from $50-$60 per gram.
12. **Taaffeite**: A rare gemstone that was only discovered in the 20th century, taaffeite is priced at approximately $2,500 per carat for fine quality specimens.
13. **Polyether ether ketone (PEEK)**: A synthetic material known for its high strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability, PEEK is used in aerospace and medical implants. It can cost around $1,000-$1,500 per kilogram.
14. **Venezuelan Hair grass**: A type of plant used in the aquarium trade for its aesthetic appeal, it can cost up to $200-$300 per blade.
15. **White truffle**: A rare and highly prized fungus, white truffles can sell for up to $3,600 per pound.
The locations of these materials vary greatly. For instance, diamonds are primarily found in South Africa, Botswana, Russia, and Canada; while saffron is mainly produced in Iran, Spain, and India. Painite is primarily mined in Myanmar, and truffles are found in specific regions in Europe and North America. The production of antimatter occurs in specialized laboratories, and the distribution of these materials is often tightly controlled due to their high cost and specialized uses.
It's important to note that the prices of these materials can change significantly over time due to factors such as supply, demand, technological advancements, and economic conditions. Moreover, some of these materials, like antimatter, are not yet produced in large quantities for commercial use, and their valuation is based on their scientific and potential commercial value rather than a stable market price.