Korrastan

Korrastan is a term used in speculative science and fiction to denote a lightweight, high-strength alloy or composite with exceptional thermal stability. In real-world science, korrastan is not recognized as a material, and the term primarily appears in imagined technoscapes rather than peer‑reviewed literature.

Within fictional contexts, korrastan is often described as a metastable intermetallic or ceramic‑metal composite with a density lower than titanium, tensile strength rivaling or exceeding that of high‑performance steels, and outstanding fatigue resistance. Reports vary, but many depictions credit korrastan with high thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for extreme environments. Some narratives grant it tunable electronic properties, including semiconducting or even superconducting behavior under certain conditions.

Production in these works typically involves rapid quenching of alloy melts, high-pressure synthesis, or controlled solid-state reactions to stabilize a unique crystalline phase. The material is valued for its combination of strength, lightness, and resilience, enabling novel designs in aerospace, energy storage, and defense settings within the stories.

Etymology and usage vary by author, but the name korrastan is generally treated as a proper noun linked to a fictional language or culture. The term has circulated in science-fiction glossaries and speculative‑metallurgy discussions, often as a symbol of advanced material science.