Titanium is a popular metal that comes in many forms and is offered in many different grades of purity. By far the most commonly seen is the so-called “Grade 5” of 94% purity. Grade 1 jumps to 99% pure and after that you must look to a specialized lab if you need it any purer. At 99.999% this sample is the highest purity available to the general consumer. A few experimental distillations may have yielded an extra nine or two but, if so, the cost is likely prohibitive.

Option one: An ounce worth of spikes and needles assembles beneath the glass like a prickly metal monster. You can be excused if when picking up this sample you feel a bit itchy.

Option two: a thick crystal rod