Maxillan

Maxillan is a fictional mineral that appears in science fiction and world-building contexts. It is not a real mineral, and no samples exist outside of imagined settings. In most portrayals, Maxillan is a rare, dense silicate or oxide mineral notable for its stability under extreme conditions and its striking optical properties. The name is often treated as a proper noun in-universe, sometimes linked to geological processes associated with strong biomineralization or planetary crust formation.

Physical properties commonly described include high hardness and extreme thermal stability, with a mineral lattice that resists corrosion and radiation. In many works, Maxillan fluoresces with a blue or emerald glow when exposed to ultraviolet light, and exhibits a high refractive index that makes it valuable for precision optics. Reported densities range widely across portrayals, but it is typically depicted as substantially denser than common rock minerals.

Occurrence and production: Maxillan is typically described as forming under unique planetary conditions or as a product of meteorite impacts. In-world mining is presented as technically demanding, often requiring automated fleets, deep-space mining, or specialized processing to separate trace elements.

Applications: Within fiction, Maxillan is coveted for energy storage, armor-grade materials, laser optics, and compact shielding. Its scarcity and processing complexity drive economics, policy, and exploration narratives.

See also: Maxilla, Silicate minerals, Exotic materials in speculative fiction.