Cow gallstones have emerged as one of the most valuable natural materials worldwide, surpassing gold in price, particularly in mainland China and Hong Kong, driven by soaring demand.
These small stones, formed from solidified digestive bile, are highly prized in traditional Chinese medicine for treating serious illnesses such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke-related conditions.
In 2025, the price of cow gallstones surged to $5,800 per ounce, double the value of gold at the time. They are commonly sold under the name "Niu Huang" and used in the traditional remedy "An Gong Niu Huang Wan" for severe neurological cases, including coma and consciousness disorders.
Scarcity due to rising demand, especially from China, has caused prices to soar and fueled a black market for gallstones, particularly in cattle-raising regions like Brazil, Australia, and Texas, where smugglers target the stones rather than the animals themselves.
Prices vary depending on size and quality, with larger stones fetching higher values. Numerous online listings have appeared for the sale of cow gallstones.
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