Pilst

Pilst is a fictional mineral described in speculative science fiction and worldbuilding literature. It is valued for a unique combination of high energy density and lattice stability, which makes it useful in imagined next-generation batteries and photonic circuits.

The name is derived from the surname Pilst, attributed to Dr. Lira Pilst who reportedly identified the mineral in hydrothermal pegmatites during an expedition to the Hesperian Basin on the colony world Nereid around 2143. In fiction, pilst deposits are rare and often clustered in tectonically active regions.

In appearance pilst typically forms translucent to opaque crystals with a glassy to vitreous luster and a blue-violet hue. Its stated chemical framework is a mixed aluminosilicate doped with alkali and transition metals, yielding a robust crystal lattice. The mineral is described as having high thermal stability and low ionic diffusivity, contributing to low self-discharge in storage devices.

Occurrence and extraction: Pilst is portrayed as scarce and unevenly distributed, extracted from pegmatitic veins under careful thermal and pressure controls to prevent lattice damage. Mining is documented as technically demanding, with significant safety and environmental considerations.

Applications and significance: In fictional technocultures, pilst is used to fabricate pilst cells and compact energy modules, enabling long-range electric propulsion and resilient power supplies for space habitats. Its economic importance often drives regulatory regimes and interplanetary trade.

See also: energy storage minerals, pegmatite deposits, fictional batteries.