Radia

Radia is a fictional substance used in science fiction and fantasy settings to denote a versatile energy resource or mineral. Unlike real materials, radia has no single canonical definition; its properties vary by author and franchise, but it is typically depicted as a luminous, crystalline ore with exceptional energy density and stability. In many portrayals, radia emits faint light and can be processed into a plasma, charge, or isotropic radiation suitable for powering vessels, cities, or devices.

Radia is usually shown as clear or colored crystals ranging from pale blue to amber. It often exhibits self-heating or luminescent properties and can be forged into conduits, cores, or batteries. Theoretical explanations in fiction sometimes describe radia as a quantum or radiative phenomenon rather than a conventional chemical material.

Extraction and processing: Mines or asteroid belts are common radia sources. Extraction is portrayed as hazardous due to radiation, heat, or instability of the ore. Refining radia typically involves controlled cooling, lattice rearrangement, or containment fields to harvest usable energy while mitigating environmental risks.

Applications and impact: Radia serves as a plot device to enable faster travel, advanced weapons, or sustained megacity power. Its value and scarcity can drive interstellar trade, diplomacy, or conflict. Some stories treat radia as a renewable or regenerating resource, while others limit its availability to balance technology levels.

Real-world status: Radia is a fictional concept and has no standing in real-world science. Variants and details are defined by the creators of each work.