Resolvestes

Resolvestes are a fictional mineral class described in speculative geology and science fiction. They are depicted as resilient silicate crystals with a dynamic lattice that can reorganize under stress, giving rise to self-healing properties in certain experimental conditions. The term was coined by geologist A. M. Harrow in 2089 to explore how mineral systems might respond to rapid thermal and fluid phase changes in hydrothermal environments. The name derives from resolvere, Latin for “to loosen or resolve.”

Chemically, resolvestes are described as variable but commonly rich in silicates with trace boron and fluorine. They are said to crystallize in monoclinic or trigonal systems, with a vitreous to silky luster and a Mohs hardness around 6 to 7. Typical color ranges from pale blue to emerald green, and they exhibit one dominant cleavage direction. The precise composition and structure are treated as theoretical approximations rather than fixed species.

Occurrence and formation: In the fictional framework, resolvestes form in high-temperature hydrothermal veins within subduction-related rocks, often in association with quartz, calcite, and zoisite. They are thought to arise when mineral fluids promote lattice rearrangement and defect annealing, enabling self-healing after microfracturing.

Applications and impact: In stories, resolvestes attract interest for jewelry due to their unique color and mobility of the lattice, and for potential use in durable ceramics or smart materials demonstrating reversible self-repair. Real-world research is not reported; resolvestes remain a concept within speculative literature rather than a recognized mineral species.

See also: speculative mineral, self-healing materials, hydrothermal mineralogy.