Keramines

Keramines is a fictional substance that appears in the novel "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. In the context of the story, keramines are a type of biological material produced by the alien Brood. These organisms are semi-sentient and possess a unique ability to absorb and store energy, which they then release in a controlled manner. The specific properties and uses of keramines within the narrative are tied to the Brood's life cycle and their interactions with other species, including humans. The novel explores how advanced alien biology can present both opportunities and threats, and keramines are a key element in this exploration of extraterrestrial life. Their nature is described as being crystalline in structure and possessing a high energy density, making them a subject of scientific interest and strategic importance for the human characters in the book. The Brood utilize keramines for various functions, including defense and sustenance, highlighting their sophisticated biological adaptations.