Latinum

Latinum is a valuable material in the Star Trek universe, and has evolved into a common currency among various alien races.

In its natural state, latinum is a silver liquid. It has no known industrial uses, but its rarity and the fact it cannot be replicated has made it a valuable substance. For ease of handling, it is often placed within strips, bars, or bricks of gold - hence its informal name of gold-pressed latinum. Latinum-plated jewels or tools are considered valuable items.

Latinum is the standard currency of the Ferenginar, Bolian and Lissepian central banks, and the de facto currency for interstellar trade by independent systems