Photo: Adam Voorhes

Hoarding gold is for libertarians. Bitcoin mining is for nerds. Really adventurous investors—especially fans of the stranger stretches of the periodic table—ought to consider stockpiling something more intense, like industrially valuable exotic elements. Demand for these is on the rise, and you no longer have to be a global megacorporation to get your hands on some. Kitco, one of the leading precious-metal traders, is now minting rhodium bullion for customers, and a Massachusetts company called Metallium will sell you almost any (non-radioactive) element; most are now conveniently available as ingots or coins. So where to start? Here are five sweet spots on the periodic chart.

PALLADIUM | $648 PER TROY OZ.*

Used For Catalytic converters

Investment Notes It's traded pretty much everywhere, so you'll always be able to cash out. Plus, its use in next-gen fuel cells could drive up demand and boost the value of your investment.

RHODIUM | $1,000 PER TROY OZ.

Used For Plating jewelry

Investment Notes Now available in bullion form! But beware of prices that fluctuate wildly: Rhodium is a byproduct of copper refinement, and the industry can't readily react to market shifts.

TELLURIUM | $132.50 PER KG

Used For Solar cells

Investment Notes Cheap but toxic. It oxidizes in open air, and the oxide powder is poisonous. And the dimethyl telluride you'll exhale after handling it will give you stinky garlic breath.

DYSPROSIUM | $600 PER KG

Used For Magnets for electric cars and wind turbines

Investment Notes On the Department of Energy's critical materials list for its role in green tech. Production shortfall predicted by 2015, so stock up.

IRIDIUM | $925 PER TROY OZ.

Used For Spark plug tips and crucibles for growing laser crystals

Investment Notes One of the hardest metals in existence, Iridium is on a tear: In 2004, it was less than $200 per troy ounce. Now it's close to $1,000.

*prices are as of june 27.

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