Mikronites

Mikronites are a fictional micro-scale civilization imagined to occupy microscopic environments such as crystal lattice pores and mineral grain networks. The term is used primarily in speculative fiction and game lore, and there is no empirical evidence for real Mikronites.

Size and biology: Depictions vary; individuals are usually described as 50 to 600 micrometers tall, invisible to the naked eye. They are portrayed as sentient or sapient micro-beings with sensory systems based on chemical detection, photonic signaling, and mechanical cues. Reproduction and development are described in forms of budding or fission; lifespans range widely depending on story.

Habitat and ecology: Mikronites inhabit porous minerals, crystal interiors, coral microstructures, bone matrices, and engineered nanostructures. They form complex communities organized into clusters, hives, or guilds, often with territorial boundaries defined by mineral compositions and energy gradients.

Society and culture: Social structures include councils, kin networks, and apprentice-labour hierarchies. Art and culture are expressed through mineral deposition patterns, lattice carving, and symbiotic relationships with microflora and minerals. Language is typically described as chemical or light-based signaling, with occasional hypothetical 'micro-scripts' embedded in crystal lattices.

Interactions with humans and technology: In narratives, Mikronites may collaborate with human researchers, share advanced nano-scale technologies, or serve as guardians of mineral ecosystems. They are frequently used to explore themes of scale, environmental stewardship, and the fragility of microhabitats.