When we think of valuable liquids, we might imagine fancy perfumes or luxury drinks. But some of the most expensive liquids in the world are valuable for entirely different reasons. From venom that can save lives to substances that are illegal, here’s a look at the priciest liquids on the planet, ranked from the most expensive to the least.
1. Scorpion Venom
Price: $39 million per gallon Scorpion venom tops the list as the most expensive liquid on Earth. Why so pricey? It contains a special compound called chlorotoxin, which scientists are researching as a possible treatment for brain tumors. Collecting this venom is extremely difficult and only a tiny amount can be harvested at a time, making it incredibly valuable.
2. King Cobra Venom
Price: $153,000 per gallon King Cobra venom is deadly, but it also has remarkable medical benefits. It’s used to make painkillers that are 20 times more effective than morphine and aren’t addictive. Because it’s so rare and potent, King Cobra venom commands a high price.
3. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
Price: $123,000 per gallon LSD is a powerful hallucinogenic drug. Even though it’s typically sold in tiny doses, the liquid form used in its creation is very expensive. Its high cost is also due to the fact that it’s illegal in many places, making it valuable on the black market.
4. Horseshoe Crab Blood
Price: $60,000 per gallon Horseshoe crab blood is unique; it’s blue and highly valuable in the medical field. It contains a substance that’s essential for testing medical equipment and vaccines for bacteria. The process of harvesting this blood is complex and delicate, driving up its cost.
5. Chanel No. 5 Perfume
Price: $26,000 per gallon Chanel No. 5 is one of the most iconic and expensive perfumes in the world. Its price is driven by the luxury ingredients used, the prestige of the brand, and the complex process involved in making it. Although it’s usually sold in small bottles, the cost per gallon is sky-high.
6. Insulin
Price: $9,400 per gallon Insulin is a life-saving hormone used to treat diabetes. While it’s typically sold in small quantities, its value as a critical medication makes it one of the most expensive liquids when measured by volume.
7. Mercury
Price: $3,400 per gallon Mercury is the only metal that remains liquid at room temperature. It’s used in a variety of applications, from thermometers to industrial processes. Due to its toxicity and the challenges of safe handling, mercury is relatively expensive.
8. GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)
Price: $2,500 per gallon GHB is a naturally occurring substance in the human body but is also synthesized for medical and recreational use. Its controversial reputation and illegal status in many regions add to its high price.
9. Human Blood
Price: $1,500 per gallon Human blood is vital for transfusions and surgeries. Although many people donate blood for free, the costs associated with testing, storing, and distributing it make it expensive.
10. Nail Polish
Price: Up to $900 per gallon While nail polish is usually sold in small bottles, the cost per gallon can be quite high, especially for luxury brands. The price reflects the quality of the ingredients and the reputation of the brand.
These liquids are not only expensive because of their rarity or the challenges in producing them, but also because of their critical uses, whether in medicine, luxury goods, or industrial applications. From life-saving treatments to iconic perfumes, these liquids show that value can come in many forms.
