Top 10 Best Substances in the World

The purchase of rare and expensive substances is the habit of many of us. The materials like gold and silver are a part of our daily life. We use them as jewelry, and in decorative items. Those who are rich, won’t face any problem to buy even the most expensive substances, but those who cannot afford have to rely upon their minor or trace amounts and even sometimes they get nothing. Let us see the list of top 10 best substances in the world.

10. Rhodium

William Hyde Wollaston was the person who discovered palladium, and rhodium. The rhodium he found was in the form of crude platinum ore. The name has been taken from the Greek word which means “red”, but there is nothing red in it. This is a strong and tough metal, used in conductive materials.

9. Platinum

Platinum is a very special substance which is widely used in industries and for environmental improvement. More than 20% of consumer goods contain high amount of platinum. It is used in products like jewelry, catalytic converters, electronics, and anti-cancer drugs.

8. Rhino Horn

Rhino horn is one of the most expensive substances in the world. It has no value in our day-to-day life besides being used in several medicines. This substance is liked due to its beautiful color and rarity.

7. Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is found in crystal form. This synthetic stimulant is powerful and highly addictive. It leaves negative impacts on human health, and is usually used as addictive material.

6. Cocaine

Cocaine is a bitter addictive material. It is obtained from the leaves of Erythroxylon coca, also called coca scrub. This is a plant that comes from the Andean highlands in South America. Cocaine is one of the powerful stimulants of natural origin. This is highly used as addictive material in almost all parts of the world.

5. Gold

Pure gold is soft so it cannot be used in this form. The gold jewelry contains other metals such as silver, copper, platinum or palladium, which help to increase its strength. Gold alloys are also used in decorative items, dental fillings and coins. Gold is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It is an expensive substance.

4. Plutonium

Plutonium is a radioactive element. It is famous for its role in generating nuclear power through nuclear fission. It is highly dangerous, poisonous, flammable, and radioactive. This substance is usually found in trace amounts in nature.

3. Tritium

Tritium is a radioactive form of hydrogen. It is naturally made by cosmic rays, and synthetically in nuclear reactions. It is widely used in fusion reactors and neutron generators. Tritium is useful in the preparation of various chemicals in industries. It is also used in chargeable batteries.

2. Californium 252

Californium-252 is a rare radioactive isotope. At commercial scale, it is used as a cost-effective neutron source for prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) of coal, cement and minerals. It also helps to detect and identify the explosive materials in land mines, and is used by military officers to detect the bombs’ presence.

1. Diamonds

Diamonds are a metastable allotrope of carbon. This is one of the most beautiful and expensive substances. The diamonds carry carbon in the form of face-centered cubic crystal structure called diamond lattice. Diamonds are less stable, but contain superlative physical qualities. Their major use is in cutting and polishing tools. Scientifically, diamonds are used in diamond knives and diamond anvil cells.