Naltic

Naltic is a fictional mineral popular in science fiction narratives and speculative settings. It is often described as a rare, high-density silicate found in deep-sea hydrothermal systems and in fictional subduction-zone formations. The name derives from the fictional Nalt Basin, which in many works serves as the principal source region for the mineral.

Properties attributed to Naltic vary by author, but common descriptions emphasize exceptional thermal stability, radiation resistance, and a bright, pearlescent or glowing luster. In several portrayals, Naltic crystals exhibit luminescence under ultraviolet light and can host dopants that enhance energy-related or optical properties. Its crystal structure is occasionally described as orthorhombic with a layered silicate lattice, though interpretations differ across titles and media.

Occurrence and extraction in the fiction often place Naltic in demanding environments, such as high-pressure ocean floors or geothermally active rock formations. The mineral’s scarcity and the difficulty of extraction drive geopolitical and ethical tensions in narratives, including debates over environmental impact and resource control.

Applications within stories typically portray Naltic as enabling advanced technologies, such as high-efficiency photovoltaic cells, compact superconductors, or durable armor composites. Its perceived value and the costs of mining drive plotlines about supply chains, monopolies, and the balance between scientific advancement and resource stewardship.

See also: List of fictional minerals; Nalt Basin.