Here we have one of the costliest non-radioactive metals in crumbly crystalline bits. It is a better option than solid beads which risks shattering the glass due to its high density. While iridium, one of the noblest of the precious metals, really gains no benefit from the protective argon atmosphere inside one of these ampules, it does help in keeping the tiny pieces from getting lost and is easier overall to show off as well.

In addition to its steep price tag, iridium is disappointingly difficult to find for sale. Almost all that is produced each year - which ain’t much - is bought by large firms for in-house use. Sale of this metal to the public in any form is severely limited not just because of the high cost but because the refineries that deal in it already have these institutional buyers ready to buy entire production lots. Selling a few hundred grams to a little cutesy company selling educational products? To them, unfortunately, that’s just a nuisance.

With these ampules you get iridium by the gram. As in one gram. That’s not much. Take a penny and cut up into three slices - one slice is a gram. And yet… look how costly this stuff is!