Unobtainium is a term used to describe unavailable materials that are either rare, extremely expensive, or simply nonexistent. The word is derived from “unobtainable,” with the suffix -ium added as a nod to chemical elements. Engineers may use the term to describe the unique qualities needed for a material in a given application.
Although unobtainium is not a real material, it is often used to highlight the qualities desired in a material for a specific product or use. The term has been in use since at least the 1950s, with aerospace engineers at Lockheed referring to titanium as unobtainium due to its scarcity at the time.
In different contexts, the cost of unobtainium varies. In fictional scenarios, it may be considered priceless, while in the real world, it could refer to scarce materials with fluctuating market values. In the movie Avatar, unobtainium is depicted as a rare mineral with unique properties that drives the plot.
Oakley’s “unobtainium” is a trademarked rubber compound used in their products to enhance comfort and grip. In the video game Block Story, “unobtainium bars” represent a high-tier metal used for crafting powerful items. Overall, the concept of unobtainium continues to spark discussion about unavailable or futuristic materials and their potential uses in technology.