Mantendust

Mantendust is a fictional mineral dust that appears in science fiction literature and tabletop role-playing games. Described as a fine, pale gray powder, mantendust is valued for its unusual physical properties, notably high thermal stability and subtle luminescence under low light. It is often used as a plot element or resource in speculative settings.

In many depictions, mantendust is a silicon-oxygen mineral with magnesium and iron substitutions. Particle sizes commonly range from submicron up to tens of micrometers. It is highly thermally stable, with a melting point well above common spacecraft environments, and can exhibit faint luminescence when doped with trace elements such as europium or terbium.

Mantendust is said to occur in mantle-like regions of rocky planets or in asteroid belts associated with volcanic activity. In-universe mining involves deep drilling, high-pressure milling, and magnetic separation to remove volatiles. Purified mantendust may be stored as a powder or compacted into blocks for industrial use.

Industrial applications in fiction include thermal insulation for reactors and spacecraft, refractory linings for furnaces, and energy storage in certain speculative devices. Its luminescent properties provide low-level illumination for equipment markings. Some settings treat mantendust as a trade good or political commodity.

Mantendust dust is described as an irritant when inhaled and can pose long-term respiratory hazards similar to mineral dusts. Handling usually requires respirators and controlled ventilation. There are also depictions of moisture-triggered exothermic reactions, so dry, sealed storage is recommended in most narratives.

The name mantendust derives from mantle and dust, often tied to subterranean origins or mantle convection myths in fictional worlds.