The hidden hand

The rare earth behind your euros

Terbium, controlled by China's supply chain, is the anti-counterfeiting compound that makes euro banknotes glow under UV light.

The number

greenfluorescence color in every euro

The same Chinese-controlled rare earth supply that powers EV motors also secures European currency against counterfeiting through terbium-doped compounds. Terbium's industrial role extends beyond banking: it's critical for retinal surgery lasers and naval sonar coatings, making a single element's scarcity a leverage point across defense, medicine, and monetary systems.

Source: Terbium Price - Historical Prices - 2026 Forecast - Where to Buy · Strategic Metals Invest · Mar 31, 2026

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