Nektaru

Nektaru is a fictional crystalline mineral described in science fiction and related media. It is valued for high energy density, luminescence, and potential as a medium for advanced technologies.

The name was coined by prospectors in the Oridian belt in the mid-23rd century; early descriptions appear in Helix Mining Consortium reports.

Nektaru forms tabular crystals, colors from indigo to teal, with a faint iridescent surface. It has a Mohs hardness around 4–6 and a density near 4.2 g/cm3. It is non-stoichiometric and behaves as a wide-gap semiconductor; light is emitted under stimulation.

It is described as occurring in metamorphic rocks on outer solar system moons, formed under high pressure with rapid cooling, often with trace minerals such as xenotime and neptunite.

Mining requires robotic systems due to remote locations and fragility. Processing includes crushing, magnetic and optical separation, and refining by vacuum arc remelting or ion-assisted annealing.

In fiction, nektaru serves as a compact energy source for reactors and propulsion, with a tunable bandgap for high-density capacitors or catalysts; its luminescence supports signaling and displays.

Handling requires shielding against low-level radiation and dust control; regulations govern extraction, transport, and disposal.