'Kryptonite' Discovered In Serbia

A new mineral discovered in Serbia shares the chemical composition of kryptonite, the fictitious green substance that robbed comic book and film hero Superman of his powers.

In Superman Returns, the chemical composition of kryptonite is identified as "sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide with fluorine."

The new mineral, which will be named Jadarite, has the same formula, except without fluorine.

"The new mineral does not contain fluorine and is white rather than green, but in all other respects the chemistry matches that for the rock containing kryptonite," said Chris Stanley, a mineral expert with the Natural History Museum in the United Kingdom, in a statement on the NHM Web site. "We will have to be careful with it -- we wouldn't want to deprive Earth of its most famous superhero!"

Stanley assisted in the identification of the mineral, which was discovered by scientists from the Rio Tinto mining group.

Jadarite won't rob anyone of his or her powers. In fact, it may end up providing power if found in abundance because the lithium it contains could be used to make batteries. Jadarite also could provide cleaning power since it contains borate, which can be used in cleaners.

Scientists at the NHM in London plan to unveil the new mineral to the public on Wednesday, April 25, at 12:30 P.M. Lead attire isn't required.