Californium is a synthetic chemical element with atomic number 98, which does not occur in nature.
It is one of the rarest and most expensive elements on Earth, with a price that can reach up to $27 million per gram, making it approximately 400 times more expensive than gold. Its exceptional value is due to the extremely complex and expensive manufacturing process, which takes place exclusively in a nuclear reactor.
The production of californium-252, which is a radioactive isotope of this element, involves bombarding californium with plutonium-239, using neutrons. This step is crucial to obtain an extremely unstable isotope, which must subsequently be rigorously purified to be usable. The production takes place in a controlled atmosphere and requires specialized equipment, as well as advanced technical expertise, given the radiation emitted by alpha particles and neutrons. Furthermore, the handling of this isotope involves significant risks due to the radioactive substances involved.
Despite its high cost and limited demand, californium-252 has important applications in several industries.
In the nuclear sector, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety of reactors, having the ability to control the rate of nuclear fission, thus ensuring their stability.
Californium-252 is also used in oil exploration, being a valuable tool for determining oil deposits at great depths.
The half-life of californium-252 is about two years, which means that it quickly loses radioactivity, but even so, this isotope remains an essential component in advanced research and industrial safety technologies.
One of the most notable areas in which californium-252 has had a significant impact is nuclear medicine. This isotope is used in neutron therapy for cancer treatments, having the ability to precisely target cancer cells and destroy them without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. This makes californium-252 a valuable resource in radiotherapy, where efficiency and precision are essential.
Recently, californium-252 has been brought into the spotlight in a geopolitical context, most notably in the context of the conflict in Ukraine in 2023. Russia has accused Ukraine of preparing “dirty bombs” that allegedly involved radioactive materials, possibly including californium-252. These accusations have raised concerns about global security and the control of hazardous radioactive materials.
Due to its rarity and sensitive applications, californium-252 is subject to strict regulation by international authorities. Currently, only a few countries, such as the United States and Russia, have the capabilities to produce this isotope, and its use is strictly regulated to prevent abuse or its use for military or terrorist purposes.
Despite its high cost and strict regulations, this isotope is a valuable tool in scientific research and industrial safety, and international regulations will continue to be essential to prevent its use for dangerous purposes.
