this post was submitted on 02 Jul 2025
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Wait, so why did it become valuable overnight?
Essentially, they had to figure out how to isolate it from other metals entirely (you have to alloy it and then reduce it with acid) so it would have consistent visual and material qualities and could be reasonably worked. From that point on, the fact that it was both rare and pretty to look at made it immensely valuable, same basic reasons as gold, except NEW and EXCITING. Inside of a decade it went from worthless to the next big thing.
Aluminum had a similar treatment when it was discovered, becoming immensely valuable because it was pretty and novel, though its value dropped like a rock as easier methods of refining aluminum were discovered.
I love the story that Napolean went to the unimaginable luxury of having a whole set of aluminum tableware made up to awe his visitors.
The aluminum set was only for the most distinguished guests, the other guests had to eat with the less luxurious gold cutlery.