The Kryptonite family

By Peter Sorel-Cameron

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LONDON, England (CNN) -- Scientists in Serbia recently discovered a mineral with almost the exact chemical makeup as the fictional Kryptonite from outer space, DC Comic's Man of Steel's only weakness. CNN looks at the various forms of Kryptonite that have emerged over the years as part of the Superman saga.

Green Kryptonite

This is the most common form of the mineral, and therefore the most well-known. It has the power to weaken and eventually kill super-powered Kryptonians, for example, Superman.

It is generally harmless to other races, but it can be a tricky substance, and has been used as a weapon against people of Earth. Extended exposure to the rock's radiation has also been known to cause cancer.

Anti-Kryptonite

Similar in many ways to Green Kryptonite, Anti-Kryptonite affects all Kryptonians, with or without special powers.

X-Kryptonite

Only one piece "exists" and it was created by Supergirl when she was trying to find a cure for Green Kryptonite. Rather than working as a cure, it gives humans, as well as other earth dwelling creatures, powers similar to those possessed by Superman for a limited time.

Red Kryptonite

This type of the mineral is red in color and produces starkly different results compared to its green counterpart.

Created when Green Kryptonite passed through a "space cloud", each piece of the rock causes a different, specific and unusual effect. Red Kryptonite has been known to cause erratic physical or mental changes in Superman. The effects usually wear off within 24-48 hours.

Gold Kryptonite

Created when Green Kryptonite was passed through a different "space cloud," this mineral removes a Kryptonian's super-powers permanently.

White Kryptonite

Surprisingly enough, this was also created thanks to a "space cloud," but this version of the rock acts on plant life, indiscriminately destroying plants from any world.

Blue Kryptonite

Blue Kryptonite was created when Green Kryptonite went through a duplicator ray; the same ray that created the character Bizarro, Superman's twisted opposite.

Logically then, this form of the mineral has an effect on Bizarro rather than on Superman, undoing his less than favorable characteristics and making him polite and coherent.

Jewel Kryptonite

Remnants of Krypton's Jewel Mountains, it allows Phantom Zone residents to focus their mental energy and cause explosions in the outside world.

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