Alkaanit

Alkaanit is a fictional mineral species introduced in speculative geology and world-building fiction. It is described as an alkali-rich aluminosilicate with luminescent properties when illuminated by ultraviolet light. The name combines alkali with the conventional mineral suffix -ite and is widely used in imagined planetary contexts.

Composition and structure: The mineral is depicted as containing sodium and potassium in a framework of aluminum and silicon-oxygen tetrahedra, with trace boron and fluorine. Crystals are prismatic to tabular, colorless to pale blue, and Mohs hardness about 5 to 6. It exhibits blue-green fluorescence under UV.

Occurrence and geology: In the fiction, alkaanit forms in alkaline hydrothermal systems within ultramafic volcanic rocks, commonly in the Velorin Basin on the planet Aris. It is mined from hydrothermal veins and prized for its glow and stability in decorative contexts.

Discovery and naming: In the narrative, alkaanit was first described by mineralogist Dr. Lian Morrow and colleagues in 2123; the name reflects its alkali-rich composition and alchemical associations.

Uses and cultural significance: In stories, alkaanit is used in inlays, luminous pigments, and energy-efficient ceramics; its fluorescence makes it valuable for signaling artifacts; it also features in decorative glass and jewelry in some settings.