Barathrume

Barathrume is a fictional mineral and energy-absorbing material that appears in science fiction, fantasy, and role-playing game settings. It is not a real element or compound in current scientific consensus; its properties and composition vary by author and work. In many narratives, Barathrume is described as a rare, dense material with a characteristic emerald or blue-green glow and a high melting point. Its composition is often treated as uncertain or variable, ranging from an elemental metal to a composite alloy. Its key properties include strong resistance to corrosion, unusual energy-handling capabilities, and—in some depictions—a semiconducting or superconducting behavior under specific conditions. The glow is commonly attributed to trace activators or intrinsic luminescence under low light.

Occurrence and formation are typically fictional: Barathrume is said to form in extreme environments such as deep crustal pockets, subduction zones, or the interiors of differentiated asteroids; some settings place its origin in ancient stellar processes. It is usually characterized as scarce, geographically localized, and difficult to extract, with mining prospects closely tied to geopolitical power and technological advantage.

Common uses in fiction include power generation, energy storage, high-performance electronics, armor or weapon components, and ceremonial or symbolic items. Barathrume often functions as a plot motivator—a coveted resource whose availability drives trade routes, treaties, and conflicts. As a concept, it serves to explore themes of scarcity, value, and the interplay between technology and society in speculative fiction.