What do you get for the science geek in your life who already has everything? How about a metallic cube that brings together every 'collectible' element on the periodic table and combines them into one decidedly unique novelty paperweight? Ladies and gents, meet the Element Cube.
The brainchild of Cillian McMinn, a young Irish entrepreneur from Belfast, the Element Cube is the geek gift to outdo all other geek gifts (yep, even those inscrutable binary clocks).
Currently in funding on Kickstarter, where it's stormed past its initial funding goal, the Element Cube fuses together 62 elements into what McMinn claims is the world's largest alloy, fashioned into a minimalist decorative ornament that could sit on your desk or coffee table.
But wait a sec, you're surely thinking: there are more than 62 elements on the Periodic Table!! What is this scam?!? Dispel your outrage, folks. Yes, it's true, there are almost twice as many actual elements in total that scientists know about, but some of them are gases, some of them are radioactive, and some of them aren't naturally occurring – they can only be synthesised in laboratories.
For these reasons, the Element Cube markets itself as containing all of the world's 'collectible' elements, and makes clear that it doesn't contain any of the harmful variety. You wouldn't want to own an Element Cube with all the rest included – trust us on this one.
So which elements are included? Read on:
Credit: The Elements Cube
The cube measures 5 cm by 5 cm, ships with a material analysis report – that presumably indicates what percentage of each metal is contained in the alloy – and offers custom engraving as an extra option.
If you like the overall concept but you're not a paperweight kind of person, the Element Cube is also available as jewellery, with the alloy coming in both bracelet and necklace options. The Element Cube can be yours for £50 (US$77), while the bracelet and necklace will both set you back £20 (US$31).
Unfortunately, the ultimate reward for a singular pledge of £1,000 (US$1,531) has already been nabbed by one lucky punter, who now has the honour of having the world's largest alloy named after them.
McMinn, confident of the uniqueness of the alloy, claims this name will even appear in an upcoming Guinness World Record, although this doesn't appear to have been officially confirmed as yet. Still, not a bad perk all things considered! (Provided the alloy does indeed qualify for such a distinction.)