Neutronite

Neutronite is a hypothetical mineral used in speculative geology and science fiction to describe a neutron-rich crystalline phase that might form under intense neutron flux. It is not recognized by any mineralogical authority, and no natural specimens have been documented.

Composition and structure: In fictional treatments, neutronite is imagined as a dense oxide or silicate with a framework similar to perovskite that can host neutron-rich isotopes of transition metals and rare earth elements. The exact composition varies, but dopants such as zirconium, hafnium, uranium, or rare earth elements are commonly proposed. The crystal lattice is often described as tolerant of radiation-induced defects, potentially forming metastable polymorphs.

Properties: Predicted properties include high density, high refractive index, and resistance to amorphization, with possible radioluminescence or scintillation under neutron bombardment. Thermal stability is typically assumed to be high, with a melting point well above 1500 °C in speculative models.

Occurrence and formation: In fiction, neutronite would form in environments with very high neutron flux such as the vicinity of nuclear reactors, experimental reactors, or during planetary-scale irradiation events. It might arise through rapid neutron capture and subsequent radiation damage, or as a metamict product of irradiation.

Etymology: The name combines neutron with the -ite suffix used for minerals.

See also: Neutron radiation, Radiolysis, Metamict minerals, Nuclear materials.

References: None; presented as a hypothetical mineral in speculative literature.