Jadarite is a unique lithium-rich mineral discovered in 2004 in Jadar, Serbia. Its chemical composition—a sodium lithium borosilicate hydroxide—makes it highly valuable for battery production, crucial for the transition away from fossil fuels.
Despite being named “kryptonite” in the movie Superman Returns, the mineral does not share the fictional properties such as a green glow or radioactivity. The Jadar deposit contains enough lithium to supply batteries for up to 90% of Europe’s anticipated electric vehicles in the coming decades. However, its extraction faces complex political challenges involving Serbia and the European Union.
Scientists have recently uncovered the specific geological conditions required for jadarite to form. These include the presence of lithium-rich volcanic glass, alkaline terminal lakes, and the transformation of clay minerals into crystalline structures under precise chemical conditions. Such a unique combination is extremely rare, explaining why jadarite has only been found in this one location so far.
“Similar to baking a cake, everything needs to be measured and exact for this rare mineral to form,” said Dr. Francesco Putzolu from the Natural History Museum, London. “If conditions are too acidic or too cold, jadarite will not form, which is why it hasn’t been identified elsewhere.”
While the mineral is rare, understanding its formation process may help researchers narrow down potential new sites for discovery. This knowledge could facilitate locating other deposits and improving extraction methods.
“With global lithium demand rising in the push for renewable energy, jadarite could play a significant role if mined sustainably,” said Dr. Robin Armstrong, geologist and co-author of the study published in Nature Geoscience. “Our findings bring us closer to identifying other possible deposits.”