Most Expensive Substance In The World

It has been difficult to escape the social media buzz and website articles claiming that scorpion venom is the most expensive liquid in the world. Search for 'Scorpion venom value' and various amounts are returned, ranging from 10 to 39 million USD per gallon. It seems like a promising get quick rich scheme, however, there is more to it than just finding a few scorpions, extracting venom and selling it. 

It is true that there is a lot of interest in venoms from pharmaceutical companies searching for the next big drug that will treat millions of people globally. There are laboratories that purchase venoms for bioprospecting. In another use, larger volumes of scorpion venom is smoked in order to (allegedly) create a hallucinogenic journey. 

An important thing to consider about the scorpion venom trade is the volumes required by research. A couple of hundred mg of scorpion venom would probably be enough for a years worth of research. Also, research is expensive, so starting out with the best quality inputs is vital. The venom that is used has to be the best quality and from a trust worthy source. 

Many labs prefer to obtain their own venom because of the small quantities required and the importance of the right species and quality. A lab can also DNA sequence a venom, and artificially synthesize larger quantities if required. 

Larger quantities of venom is also used in the production of antivenom. In such cases, an antivenom manufacturer will grant contracts to certain suppliers who adhere to strict guidelines. Such as venom is never extracted from wild caught scorpions. All scorpions used in extraction are quarantined. Contracts include the price paid for venom as well as the amount of venom to be produced. Price paid for venom for the production of antivenom is often not enough to cover the cost of keeping the animals and extracting the venom. Venom is freeze dried to maintain its biological action.

An article published by researchers of the Biodiversity Unit at the University of Turku, Finland, highlighted how informal venom collectors are having a significant negative impact on wild scorpion populations. Already under threat from habitat destruction and poaching for the pet trade, the protection of scorpions through legislation is an important issue. 

Misleading social media posts and dodgy get rich schemes excite people with the promise of striking it rich! The result of this misinformation is that scorpion population suffer and dreams are destroyed. 

To answer the question of 'is scorpion venom the most expensive liquid on earth?' depends on who you ask. For a researcher, finding a cure for diabetes or a treatment for cancer would be extremely valuable and lucrative. However, for the person who is considering setting up a few terrariums in their garage and extracting venom, the fruits of their labour will be a disappointment. The up side to this venture is that you'll at least be able to invite your buddies around and smoke your stash.