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Californium: $27 Million Gram Fuels Safety and Tensions

2/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Californium, a rare synthetic element with atomic number 98, commands a staggering price of $27 million per gram. Its isotope, californium-252, plays a crucial role in nuclear safety, oil exploration, and cancer treatment. With its radioactive nature and scarcity, the production and trade of this element are tightly controlled, especially in light of rising geopolitical tensions, such as those in Ukraine.

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Story summary

Californium, a rare synthetic element with atomic number 98, commands a staggering price of $27 million per gram. Its isotope, californium-252, plays a crucial role in nuclear safety, oil exploration, and cancer treatment. With its radioactive nature and scarcity, the production and trade of this element are tightly controlled, especially in light of rising geopolitical tensions, such as those in Ukraine.