Ezezek

Ezezek is a fictional mineral term commonly cited in science fiction and educational worldbuilding as a rare silicate mineral. In many depictions, it is noted for stability under extreme pressure and a striking optical appearance, making it a useful stand-in for discussing mineral properties.

Origins of the term are variable across works; some authors attribute the name to a vanished civilization, others to a location within the story world. Because ezezek is not a real mineral, there is no standardized chemical composition, though many writers describe it as rich in silicate polymers with trace elements such as chromium or vanadium that influence color.

Physical characteristics are often described as a hexagonal or prismatic mineral with colors ranging from emerald-green to deep black, depending on impurities. A vitreous to adamantine luster, a Mohs hardness around 6 to 7, and a high refractive index are commonly depicted. Some texts note pleochroism or iridescence, and densities are typically placed between 4.5 and 5.5 g/cm3, though figures vary by source.

Formation and occurrence are depicted in fictional geologies as forming in ultra-high-pressure environments such as subduction-zone rocks or impact-related zones, and sometimes in pegmatites or meteorite-influenced contexts. In other stories, ezezek forms through long-term metamorphic processes that concentrate trace elements.

Applications in fictional settings range from energy storage and catalysis to jewelry and currency. As a construct of storytelling, ezezek serves as a teaching tool for mineralogical concepts such as crystal chemistry, phase stability, and the relationship between composition and optical properties.