Nuralias

Nuralias is a fictional mineral widely cited in science fiction and tabletop games as a rare, high-performance energy-storage material. In these settings, Nuralias is valued for combining high energy density with chemical and thermal stability, enabling compact power systems for spacecraft, autonomous vehicles, and neuromorphic computing hardware.

Origin and geology: Nuralias crystals are described as forming in deep crustal ultramafic environments where high pressures and unique metasomatic fluids create a lattice structure that can host mobile ions with minimal resistance. Deposits are typically deep underground in isolated pockets, making extraction expensive and time-consuming. The mineral commonly appears as dark, metallic-luster crystals with a reddish or violet sheen.

Properties: In-universe science notes Nuralias has low self-discharge, a wide operating temperature range, and resilience to radiation. Its charge/discharge cycles exceed those of conventional lithium- or solid-state materials, though the material is reactive with certain halogens, requiring specialized containment.

Applications: The principal uses are energy storage for long-duration missions, power rails for space habitats, and neuromorphic processors that require stable, dense energy sources. Some variants, such as Nuralias-Alpha, offer higher conductivity at the cost of price, while Nuralias-Sigma emphasizes safety and thermal stability.

Economy and regulation: Nuralias supply is restricted by international accords because of its strategic value. Extraction and refinement are dominated by a handful of mining companies; illicit trade and smuggling have also appeared in some narratives.

Cultural impact: The term appears in sci-fi literature, video games, and role-playing campaigns as a benchmark for advanced technology.