By Sheetal Kumari | July 11, 2025
Scorpion venom is among the most expensive things in the world, costing almost $39 million per gallon.
(Image: @UncleRedup/X)
The deathstalker scorpion, which lives in North Africa and the Middle East, secretes this pricey venom.
(Image: @nelldin0/X)
One scorpion only yields an infinitesimally small drop of venom—barely 0.006 ml per milking.
(Image: @arojinle1/X)
Its rarity, complexity to extract, and huge demand in medicine drive the price through the roof.
(Representative Image: Canva)
Certain compounds in the venom assist in targeting and lighting up brain tumour cells during surgery.
(Representative Image: Canva)
Scientists are examining venom proteins in order to develop potent non-addictive painkillers as alternatives to opioids.
(Representative Image: Canva)
Researchers feel that venom could assist in modulating immune reactions and hence conditions like arthritis and lupus.
(Representative Image: Canva)
Every scorpion has to be hand-“milked” through mild electrical stimulation—a tedious and safe process.
(Representative Image: Canva)
Scorpion venom harvesting involves strict legal authorization and ethical treatment, further contributing to the high price.
(Representative Image: Canva)
Despite being a drop at a time, this venom has enormous possibilities for medical advancements and biotech breakthroughs.
(Representative Image: Canva)