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I am wondering if, for example, kryptonite is supposed to be to like radium or some other radioactive metal is to humans to Superman? Is it radioactive in a conventional sense? Does it decay, have a half-life? Or does it bear no resemblance to other elements? Is it even supposed to be an element or is it a compound? Does it melt? Of course, I am asking based on what has been disclosed in comics/novels/movies. It does not seem to me that any substance would affect a human as rapidly as kryptonite does, maybe some gas like fluorine would but not merely being in the presence of solid form of any element. I think a human could even hold Pu or radium for minutes or longer without noticing a problem.

Gallifreyan
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Jeff
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  • It does not seem to me that any substance would affect a human as rapidly as kryptonite does ~> What superpowers of humans do you expect suppressed? – user931 Nov 19 '17 at 17:58
  • If Kryptonite does decay, like other radioactive materials, the half-life would be measured in centuries as it is still around to plague Superboy/Supergirl during their adventures with the 30th century Legion of Super Heroes. I think I read once that, post Silver age, Lex Luther wore a ring with a Kryptonite stone, just to keep it handy. Eventually it did affect him, causing loss of a hand. Can't cite that one, though. Oh, and it does melt. I think it was during Supe's first battle with Metallo that he was able to do that. – Emsley Wyatt Nov 19 '17 at 18:46
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    @Bat: Not super power but vital processes -- kryptonite doesn't just suppress super powers, does it? It make Superman feel bad, sort of like, perhaps not coincidentally, radiation poisoning does humans, I think. – Jeff Nov 19 '17 at 19:25
  • @Emsley Wyatt: Very interesting indeed! So is it possible that kryptonite emits conventional radiation? Like alpha particles or something? Was it discussed at all? – Jeff Nov 19 '17 at 19:25
  • @Jeff - Things which are 15% plutonium generally emit radiation ;-) Within the comics it seems to be generally safe for humans to handle though – Valorum Nov 19 '17 at 21:35
  • Citation for the melting part of my earlier comment. http://www.dialbforblog.com/archives/565/ – Emsley Wyatt Nov 20 '17 at 02:10

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