Astíc

Astíc is a fictional mineral referenced in worldbuilding and science fiction settings. In these works, astíc is described as a translucent, lamellar silicate with a pale blue to green glow that intensifies under ultraviolet or ionizing radiation. Reported physical properties include a Mohs hardness around 5.5, moderate brittleness, and a pronounced piezoelectric response, which together make it attractive as a speculative energy-storage material and as a trigger element in fictional propulsion systems.

In-universe formation and distribution place astíc in high-grade metamorphic rocks and in certain asteroid belts. It is said to crystallize under conditions of rapid cooling and elevated pressure, often intergrown with trace amounts of rare earth elements that influence its luminescence and electrical characteristics. Deposits are typically small but intensely valuable, prompting specialized mining techniques and risk management.

Processing and handling in fiction require controlled environments to preserve luminescence, with post-extraction treatments such as annealing in oxygen-free atmospheres and surface passivation to prevent degradation of glow. Safeguards around inhalation and ingestion are common in lore, reflecting its novel chemistry.

Uses and significance: Astíc is depicted as an energy-dense material suitable for compact power cells, as well as a light source for equipment, sensors, and decorative artifacts in spaceships and orbital habitats. In some stories, its glow serves as a navigational cue or a political symbol of technological prowess. See also: fictional minerals, worldbuilding glossaries.