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Natural History: Museum Scientists Crack the Code Behind Kryptonite-Like Mineral That Could Fuel Europe’s Green Energy Future
11 June 2025
By James Hamilton
By James Hamilton
View over the Jadar basin, Serbia.
Natural History Museum researchers have unlocked the geological secrets behind jadarite (pronounced yad-a-rite) - a unique, lithium-rich mineral with the potential to power a more sustainable future for Europe.
This rare white mineral, whose chemical formula bears a striking resemblance to Superman’s fictional nemesis Kryptonite, has so far only been discovered in a single location on Earth: the Jadar Basin in Serbia. Despite its rarity, the deposit is so substantial that, if mined, it could supply enough lithium to power up to 90% of Europe’s electric vehicle demand.
First described in 2004 by Museum scientists Dr Chris Stanley and Mike Rumsey, jadarite captured global attention for its pop-culture coincidence. But today, its real value lies in its environmental promise. Compared to conventional lithium sources like spodumene, jadarite offers a lower-energy and potentially less damaging route to lithium extraction.
In a new study published in Nature Geoscience, a team of Natural History Museum researchers has revealed the precise geological recipe required for jadarite to form. Their findings show that it emerges only under extremely specific conditions, involving a unique interaction between alkaline-rich terminal lakes, lithium-laden volcanic glass, and the rare transformation of clay minerals into crystalline structures.
“Much like baking a cake, every ingredient and condition must be just right,” explains Dr Francesco Putzolu, Museum scientist and co-author of the paper. “If the mix is too acidic or the temperature too low, jadarite simply won’t form. The conditions are so specific we’ve yet to see them naturally replicated anywhere else on the planet.”
Dr Robin Armstrong, co-author and geologist at the Museum, added: “As the demand for lithium continues to grow with the push for renewable energy, jadarite presents an enormous opportunity. Understanding its formation brings us closer to identifying new deposits and unlocking more sustainable extraction methods.”
This research supports the Museum’s broader mission under its Resourcing the Green Economy theme, working to accelerate the integration of earth and life sciences to secure natural resources responsibly and build nature-positive, sustainable societies.
Find out more: Research Themes | Natural History Museum
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