Until recently 60% alcohol hand cleaner was priceless. It's tumbled in value now it's back in the shops. From what I saw in Waitrose an hour ago, eggs are looking to become even more expensive than antimatter. But it's not the W factor as I bought a kilo of A.Angus feather steak for £1.56 and three lamb's fillets at 60p each. Beat that Lidl (where I really wanted to go for a free-range chicken until I saw the car park was pretty full.)
Pricey precious materials
A century ago, crude oil was the most valuable substance on the planet, but exploration and innovation have made it far less expensive. Today, it's eclipsed in value by the likes of gold, diamonds, and even caterpillar fungus (yes, you read that correctly).
There are many other obscure materials you’ve probably never heard of that command a premium price because they’re ultra-rare, hard to extract, or valued for their unique properties. Read on to discover the most valuable legal substances on Earth (and beyond) right now.
All dollar amounts in US dollars. Prices correct as of January 2025.
Alice Cattley
16 January 2025
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I don't know how much it costs per gram, but printer ink for ink-jet printers is expensive when you consider how little you get for your money.
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29 April 2020