Green Kryptonite was the primary variety of Kryptonite.
History
It was a radioactive element composed of pieces of the exploded planet Krypton.[1] Surviving natives of Krypton, such as Superman and Supergirl, or their descendants were weakened by exposure to Green Kryptonite. Prolonged exposure could result in fatal radiation poisoning.[2]
Green Kryptonite radiation interferes with a Kryptonian's ability to absorb and process solar radiation which explains why Kryptonians lose abilities, and are severely weakened by it even when outside in direct exposure to the light of a yellow sun. It also contaminates the energy already stored within a fully powered Kryptonian's body as prolonged exposure to and/or direct contact with kryptonite will cause a sickly green discoloration of the skin and veins will begin glowing green as the radiation continues to seep in and poison the body. The weakening effect depends on how much K-radiation the Kryptonian is exposed to. Small amounts will make a Kryptonian sick, dizzy, and feeling weaker than usual. Heavy doses will cause a severe and immediate reaction causing extreme pain, sickness, and extreme physical debilitation. While Kryptonite will quickly weaken a Kryptonian, it isn't an instant process as Batman remarked, while fighting Superman with a Green K ring, that even weakened, punching Superman was like hitting a brick wall and hitting harder would probably break his hands.
However, while the radioactive effects of kryptonite of relatively small amounts can weaken and kill a Kryptonian within minutes, they are not accumulative, so any Kryptonian safely removed from such a source in time can quickly recover without lasting effect. By contrast, while humans can safely handle kryptonite unshielded for short periods without ill effect from its radiation, long-term continual exposure will produce serious health problems such as cancer.
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Notes
- Kryptonite was first created for an unpublished 1940 comic book story, in which it was called "K-Metal".[3] Kryptonite made its actual debut in a 1943 episode of the The Adventures of Superman radio series. In 1949's Superman #61, Kryptonite made its DC Comics debut, colored red but with the properties commonly associated with Green K and not the unpredictable effects of Red Kryptonite. Reprints of this story have recolored the Kryptonian mineral as green. Green K in its commonly recognized form finally made its comics debut in 1951's Action Comics #161.