Fettäure

Fettäure is a fictional mineral that features in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing games. In these settings it is described as a dense, energy-rich ore that forms in hydrothermal veins and meteorite impacts. The name is a constructed term, sometimes written with an umlaut ä to suggest a northern European linguistic influence.

In terms of properties, descriptions vary, but common elements include a brilliant, shifting sheen, a hard but brittle crystal habit, and a high energy density that can be tapped for power. The chemical composition is intentionally unspecified, allowing creators to adapt the material to different technological levels. In many depictions, Fettäure also glows faintly and can emit light under electric or magnetic fields or when stressed.

Geology and occurrence within fiction place Fettaure in unusual crystallization environments: deep crustal veins, volcanic domes, and extraterrestrial impact deposits. It is frequently described as occurring alongside rare earth elements and catalytic minerals, and mining usually requires high-temperature processing and careful containment to manage energetic releases.

History and usage: The term appears in 22nd-century fiction and in-game supplements and has since become a common plot device. In-universe, discovery is attributed to miners who observed luminous seams and unexpected energy release.

Applications and implications: In stories, Fettäure serves as a primary energy source, a component in propulsion systems, or a catalyst for exotic reactions. Its scarcity and high value drive economic and political conflict, while processing raises environmental and safety concerns.

Real-world note: Fettäure is a fictional substance with no counterpart in actual geology or materials science.