- "Made of low-grade Kryptonite. Radioactive mineral from your home planet. It weakens you."
- —"Hank Henshaw" to Supergirl[src]
Kryptonite is a radioactive mineral from the planet Krypton. Following its destruction, some Kryptonite found its way to the planet Earth.
Overview
Green Kryptonite
- "I've never seen anything like it. It's definitely not from this planet. It seems to be emitting a specific radioactivity that's damaging to your cellular structure."
- —Astra's associate[src]
A blade with Green Kryptonite after being removed from General Astra.
Kryptonite is normally green and Kryptonians exposed to the element will become weak within close proximity or pierced by weapons laced or made from the substance and prolonged exposure is fatal, Kryptonite's effects are radioactive in nature and therefore cannot penetrate the element lead. The radiation of the mineral can be harnessed and used independent of the mineral itself to harm a Kryptonian, usually appearing in the form of artificial light emitted from certain machinery.[1]
Alex Danvers taught Kara to fight in a room lined with low-intensity Kryptonite emitters, just enough to be brought down to normal strength.[2] Alex utilized a sword made from Kryptonite and it was ultimately used to kill Astra,[3] physical signs of being affected by Kryptonite are somewhat fever-like, including nausea, weakness, dizziness, vertigo, fatigue, pain and loss (or near loss) of consciousness. Physical contact with Kryptonite of higher intensity is enough to cause burning pain.
Kryptonite tranquilizer.
It has even been used as anesthesia or a sedative against Kryptonians due to its affects. Kryptonite inside the body causes green glowing veins to protrude from the skin of the Kryptonian and the physical pain it causes becomes unbearable at that point.
Lucius Fox stated in his journal that Green Kryptonite is the only thing capable of penetrating the Batsuit.[4]
Blue Kryptonite
Blue Kryptonite.
The blue, molecular opposite of Green Kryptonite and was created by Alex Danvers at the D.E.O. by reversing the ionic charge of Green Kryptonite. While Blue Kryptonite had no effect on Kryptonians, it severely weakened Bizarro and sedated her, allowing her to be captured. It also seemed to have a calming effect on Bizarro, removing her rage toward Supergirl and allowing her to think rationally.[5]
Red Kryptonite
Red Kryptonite.
Maxwell Lord created a synthetic red form in hopes of subduing Non's next attack. Rather than weaken Kryptonians physically, Red Kryptonite alters their minds by weakening and gradually destroying their inhibitions, as well as bringing out every negative thought to the surface. They can even feel its effects long after they have left its presence. As this happens, red, glowing veins momentarily protrude from the skin when they first come near it and in times when the victim's actions and thoughts are most affected by the Red Kryptonite. Symptoms of Red Kryptonite infection first start as the Kryptonian becoming more abrasive and immature in personality and actions as their mental and emotional restraint is lessened. Eventually, the Kryptonian will be left without morality, patience, rationality or any cares, whatsoever. They can even develop narcissistic tendencies and arrogance that results in an inferiority complex. After having expressed their negative personality traits fully, the Kryptonian will become malevolent and prone to hostility and aggression, leaving them a danger to everyone around them.[6] However, Maxwell also developed a cure for it in the form of a red energy beam gun that neutralized the Red Kryptonite at a targeted victim and knocked them out, as the Red Kryptonite left the body in the form of red gas.
Silver Kryptonite
Queen Rhea holding Silver Kryptonite.
A silver colored form of Kryptonite that was found and used by Queen Rhea from the vast quantities of Kryptonite that rained down on planet Daxam. This kryptonite will cause a Kryptonian to fall in a deep and frightful hallucination where nothing from the outside world will stir them out of it until it leaves their system. When Superman confronted Rhea, she poisoned him with it and he was convinced that Supergirl was actually his greatest enemy Zod who had come back to destroy everything he loved. Unlike green kryptonite, silver kryptonite will not weaken or dampen a Kryptonian's powers at all. When in vast quantities, it will reveal itself as glowing silver veins on the Kryptonian's skin.
Synthetic Kryptonite
J'onn J'onzz gave all of the D.E.O.'s remaining green kryptonite to Superman to destroy it, preventing Cadmus from further using green kryptonite against him and Kara Danvers; therefore, Cadmus was forced to create their own synthetic version of kryptonite, although this synthetic kryptonite has the same effects of as green kryptonite as well as serving as the source of Metallo's powers; it was proven to be too unstable, as it eventually exploded, killing Metallo in the process, while also releasing a large cloud of kryptonite gas, although Kara was able to avoid contact with it.
Lena Luthor was able to create an extremely stable synthetic version of green kryptonite (a feat that even Cadmus could not achieve) which she used to contain Samantha Arias and run tests on her, to try and get rid of Reign.
Black Kryptonite/Harun-El
Harun-El.
Harun-El or the Rock of Yuda Kal (also called Black Kryptonite[7]), is a very specific type of Kryptonite that is capable of making Worldkillers. It is also capable of destroying a Worldkiller. On their home world or in Argo City, Black Kryptonite is harmless to Kryptonians but on Earth, the substance becomes toxic to Kryptonians and can be used to split a Kryptonian in two, such as when Lena used it to separate Reign and Sam into their good and bad side. When Kara used it to send herself, Reign and Sam into the Dark Valley to defeat Reign without casualties, it split Kara in two sending a demonic persona to Russia, unbeknownst to her. Harun-El is also an incredible power source. It was able to power the dome of Argo City as well as sustain an ecosystem and the artificial gravity on the asteroid that houses Argo. Argonians were given a recipe to make the substance from elements on Argo, courtesy of Lena Luthor who figured out how to make it before the city was destroyed by antimatter. When harnessed correctly, Black K has mutagenic and healing properties on humans. Hearts that Lena has tested with a serum using Black K have been made invulnerable. After being perfected, the serum was used on James Olsen and Lex Luthor to heal them both. The serum used on James was supposedly separated from the mutagenic part however, this wasn't successful and he gained temporary Kryptonian powers, including super hearing and heat vision before being cured of it. Lex and Ben Lockwood at least gained the power of super strength while the Harun-El was in their systems.
Known users
- Maxwell Lord: Max created Red Kryptonite in hopes of stopping Non's army, unfortunately, Kara inadvertently came in contact with it. The Red Kryptonite lowered and gradually destroyed her inhibitions and turned her into a corrupt version of herself.
- Lena Luthor: Lena revealed that she was able to create Green Kryptonite, Lena used the Green Kryptonite to contain Samantha Arias and run tests on her, to try and get rid of Reign.
- Kate Kane: Kate had stolen a small amount of Kryptonite from the Bruce Wayne of Earth-99 after he tried to kill Kara Danvers.
Former users
Alex wielding a Green Kryptonite sword.
- D.E.O.: Green Kryptonite was used by the members of the D.E.O., who utilize it against those that hail from the planet Krypton. They utilize it in the form of restraints and certain weapons, such as blades, darts, and bullets. Prison cells designed for Kryptonians, as well as training rooms, have Kryptonite lights that can be lowered to simply de-power a Green Kryptonian, while higher levels can incapacitate, cripple, and nearly kill them. However, after it was discovered that the D.E.O. had a spy from Project Cadmus who stole the Green Kryptonite from their organization; J'onn J'onzz gave all of the D.E.O.'s remaining Kryptonite to Clark Kent (under the guise of Superman) to destroy it.
- Project Cadmus: Cadmus created a synthetic version of the Green Kryptonite that had the same effects as natural green kryptonite. It was used to power their Green Kryptonite-powered cyborg Metallo. However, the synthetic version proved too unstable and eventually exploded. They also used natural green kryptonite, that was used to power their second green Kryptonite-powered cyborg Metallo, however, once the D.E.O. discovered that they had a spy from Cadmus in the organization; J'onn J'onzz gave all of the D.E.O.'s remaining green kryptonite to Clark Kent (under the guise of Superman) to destroy it; preventing Cadmus from further using green Kryptonite against Clark and Kara Danvers.
- Rhea: Rhea had Kryptonite weapons forged from the massive amounts of Kryptonite that rained down on Daxam after Krypton was destroyed and ravaged her home world. She later used another form of Kryptonite, Silver, on Superman to make him hallucinate and fight Supergirl, with Superman believing he was battling Zod. Being dead now, most of her Kryptonite has been destroyed.
- "Is that a Kryptonite arrow? Why do you have a Kryptonite arrow?"
- "In case an evil you ever showed up!"
- —Kara Danvers and Oliver Queen[src]
- Oliver Queen: Oliver possessed arrows with tips made out of Green Kryptonite on the chance that an evil Supergirl would show up. It is unknown how he gained the Kryptonite but it is possible that the Krypton of Earth-1 was destroyed as well, allowing the Kryptonite produced from the explosion to make its way to Earth, where Oliver found it and deduced what it was.
- Barry Allen: When reality was altered by John Deegan, Barry became Green Arrow and thus had Kryptonite arrows just like Oliver. He then used them against A.M.A.Z.O..[8]
- Bruce Wayne: When Superman arrived on Earth-99, Bruce had discovered and used Kryptonite to kill Superman. He then used it on Kara Danvers, but was killed before he could kill her. Kate Kane then collected the Kryptonite in his possession.
Appearances
Supergirl
Arrow
Season 6
Season 7
- "Elseworlds, Part 2" (mentioned)
The Flash
Season 4
- "The Elongated Knight Rises" (mentioned)
Season 5
Season 6
Batwoman
Season 1
- "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Two"
- "A Secret Kept From All the Rest" (mentioned)
Behind the scenes
Comics
In the DC comics, there are several different types of Kryptonite;
- Green Kryptonite: Green Kryptonite can weaken a Kryptonian's physical attributes, however, the radiation effects of green kryptonite are harmful to humans given sufficient long-term exposure, resulting in cancer.
- Red Kryptonite: Like Green Kryptonite, Red Kryptonite can weaken a Kryptonian's physical attributes; but to a greater degree.
- Anti-Kryptonite: Anti-Kryptonite is harmless to Kryptonians; but has the same effect as the green variety on normal humans.
- X-Kryptonite: X-Kryptonite is harmless to Kryptonians; but it gives normal life-forms superhuman powers.
- Blue Kryptonite: Blue Kryptonite can affect Bizarro in the same way the green variety of kryptonite affects Kryptonians; blue kryptonite is the antidote to the random and bizarre effects of red kryptonite. Generally it is harmless to real Kryptonians. In some fiction, however, it can strengthen the normal physiology of Kryptonians or even heal their wounds.
- White Kryptonite: White Kryptonite can kill all plant life, from any world.
- Red-Green Kryptonite: Red-Green Kryptonite caused Superman to mutate, temporarily growing a third eye in the back of his head.
- Gold Kryptonite: Gold Kryptonite can remove Kryptonians' powers to process yellow sunlight; this kryptonite only removes a kryptonian's powers temporarily, but enough exposure can render them powerless forever.
- Red-Green-Blue-Gold Kryptonite: Red-Green-Blue-Gold Kryptonite can enhance the intelligence of a Kryptonian.
- Silver Kryptonite: Silver Kryptonite can causes Kryptonians to suffer from altered perceptions, loss of inhibition and extreme hunger cravings.
- Jewel Kryptonite: Jewel Kryptonite allows the individual(s) to project illusions or perform mind control.
- Bizarro-Red Kryptonite: Bizarro-Red Kryptonite affects normal humans the same manner that red kryptonite affects Kryptonians.
- Red-Green Kryptonite: Red-Green Kryptonite caused Superboy to permanently lose his powers.
- Red-Gold Kryptonite: Red-Gold Kryptonite temporarily deprives Kryptonians of their memories.
- Magno-Kryptonite: Magno-Kryptonite is magnetically attracted to all substances originally from Krypton.
- Red-Green-Gold Kryptonite: Red-Green-Gold Kryptonite can permanently remove the individual's powers and memories of ever having been Superman.
- Slow Kryptonite: Slow Kryptonite affects normal humans in a manner similar to green kryptonite.
- Kryptonite-X: Kryptonite-X can supercharge a Kryptonian and restore his/her ability to process solar radiation.
- Pink Kryptonite: Pink Kryptonite turns Kryptonians lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
- Black Kryptonite: Black Kryptonite can split a Kryptonian into two separate entities; one good and the other evil.
- Orange Kryptonite: Orange Kryptonite gives super power to any animal that comes into contact with it for 24 hours.
- Periwinkle Kryptonite: Periwinkle Kryptonite causes Kryptonians to lose all inhibitions.
Live-action
In live-action media, the most common form of kryptonite seen is green kryptonite. The effects are generally the same in all live-action versions. It weakens a Kryptonian's physical attributes, including blocking the ability of the body's cells to absorb and use yellow solar radiation with continued exposure. Green K can kill with prolonged exposure.
Other types of kryptonite have also appeared.
In Superman III:
- Synthetic Kryptonite: Artificially created kryptonite that substitutes cigarette "tar" in place of an unknown component of true kryptonite. Intended to harm and kill Superman, the flawed kryponite initially corrupts Superman, then splits him into two personas: a belligerent, selfish, and careless Superman; and good, kindhearted, mild-mannered Clark Kent. The two fight and when Clark wins, the personas merge and Superman returns to normal.
On The Adventures of Superboy:
- Red Kryptonite: Man-made form of kryptonite created while trying to neutralize the effects of green kryptonite so it could be used as an alternative power source. Superboy turned evil with a single exposure; a second exposure reversed the effects.
- White Kryptonite: Unlike its comic counterpart, white kryptonite was created by using the same duplicating ray that made Bizarro in an attempt to form a kryptonite to kill Bizarro. Instead, the white K stabilized and cured the molecularly unstable Bizarro.
On Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman:
- Red Kryptonite: Clark Kent was shown to suffer differing effects when exposed to red K at different times, including apathy, uncontrollable increase of his powers, and a transfer of his powers to Lois Lane.
- "Hybrid" Kryptonite: A man-made form created by a renegade S.T.A.R. Labs scientist. Harmless to Kryptonians; caused the same effect on humans as green kryptonite on Kryptonians.
In Superman Returns:
- Green Kryptonite: Lex Luthor combined green K with Kryptonian crystalline technology to create a new continent off the coast of Metropolis that threatened to destroy North America.
On Smallville:
- Green Kryptonite: Aside weakening and harming kryptonians (and suppressing their powers, especially their healing factor and invulnerability), can, under cretain circumstances, to caused mutations in humans, animals, and plants. Humans developed a variety of superhuman abilities that typically proved dangerous to themselves and others. In some cases, the radioactivity of green K could be neutralized and the resulting "clear" kryptonite would be harmless to Kryptonians and humans.
- Red Kryptonite: Continuous contact with red K compromised a kryptonian's inhibitions and morality, often causing them to break the law and act selfish and rebellious. The effect on humans is mostly unknown, though seemly have no effect unless is combined with some chemicals. Removing the contact quickly ended the effects.
- Black Kryptonite: Could separate aspects of the psyche of Kryptonians or humans and manifest them in a duplicate body, typically as "good" and "bad" versions of someone. Black K was created by superheating green kryptonite to extremely high temperatures.
- Silver Kryptonite: An artificial kryptonite infused with silver shards created by the liquid metallic form of Brainiac. The silver induced hallucinations and paranoia in Kryptonians. It also suppressed their general invulnerability, allowing them to be cut so the silver could enter the bloodstream.
- Blue Kryptonite: Suppressed superhuman abilities in Kryptonians with continuous contact, specifically resistance to illness and injury. Aging in Kryptonians was also increased to the speed of humans by prolonged contact. Kryptonians were resistant to effects of green kryptonite when in contact with blue K. In humans, blue K dramatically improved health. With Bizarro, blue K exponentially increased the clone's powers to the point the body became unstable and exploded, killing the Phantom Zone wraith.
- Gemstone Kryptonite: A mineral infused with kryptonite that would give Kryptonians the power of hypnotic persuasion over others. It was primarily seen in pulverized dust form. The persuasion could also affect the Kryptonian persuader if their command was directed back at them through a reflective surface. The effects were counteracted with green K.
- Gold Kryptonite: While heated up, can be used to permanently scar Kryptonians. Prolonged contact could permanently remove all Kryptonian superhuman abilities. Contact with a large amount of gold K could kill a Kryptonian.