Why Uranium Is Not a Valuable Currency Compared to Gold

When considering the use of natural non-enriched uranium as a form of currency, one would naturally wonder why such a valuable and rare element is not harnessed in this manner. The primary reasons lie in the inherent properties of uranium and its practical application in a monetary system.

Less Valuable Than Gold

Uranium is significantly less valuable than gold. Even in its natural, non-enriched form, it is less expensive than silver. However, this is not to say that highly enriched uranium does not hold immense value; nations like Iran, for instance, may find it highly valuable. However, using such material for creating currency would be impractical and potentially dangerous, akin to using nukes for daily transactions.

Chemical Reactivity and Toxicity

One of the main reasons why uranium is unsuitable for use as currency is its chemical reactivity and toxicity. Unlike silver, which can be dissolved only by nitric acid, and gold, which requires aqua regia (a mixture of nitric and chlorine acids), uranium dissolves very easily in most acids. Additionally, uranium readily oxidizes when exposed to air and can even burst into flames if powdered. This makes it challenging to handle and store, which is a significant drawback in a practical currency system.

Furthermore, the radioactivity and toxicity of uranium present serious health risks. If inhaled, the radioactive byproducts of depleted uranium can pose long-term threats, similar to the dangers faced during the use of armor-piercing munitions in armed conflicts. The risks associated with uranium make it an impractical choice for everyday use in the form of currency.

The Inertia of Gold as Currency

The historical significance and inertia of gold as a currency cannot be overlooked. Gold has been used for centuries as a medium of exchange due to its rarity, malleability, and the fact that it can be used to make jewelry. These properties have made it a standard for value storage and exchange. In modern times, while we can make jewelry just as well without using gold, the inertia of gold's use in currency remains strong.

Using uranium as a currency would be a recent and unconventional approach, which would face significant challenges due to its radioactivity, reactivity, and toxicity. Even if uranium were to be enriched and used, the existing infrastructure and cultural norms around currency would make such a transition extremely difficult.

Conclusion

While uranium boasts valuable nuclear properties that can be harnessed for various purposes, its inherent chemical and physical properties make it an impractical choice for a monetary system. The reasons why uranium is not as valuable as gold extend beyond mere radioactive, poisonous, and reactive characteristics, but rather stem from established inertia and practical considerations in a modern, sophisticated monetary environment.

In summary, uranium's unique and dangerous properties preclude its use as a valuable currency, reaffirming gold's status as the predominant form of stored value and exchange.