Ridadel

Ridadel is a fictional mineral widely used in science fiction and fantasy media. In most narratives it is a rare, luminescent resource prized for its energy density and resonance properties.

Physical properties vary by depiction, but common attributes include a pale blue-green color, glassy luster, and faint internal glow that intensifies in darkness. It is described as forming hexagonal prismatic crystals; hardness typically 5–6 on the Mohs scale; density around 4.0–4.3 g/cm3. Many authors attribute a soft fractional crystal habit and a tendency to cleave along planar flaws.

Ridadel is said to form in high-temperature metamorphic settings, often in veins within ultramafic or basaltic rock. Deposits are described as small, widely scattered nodules or crystals embedded in host rock and are frequently found in volcanic or xenocryst-rich contexts on Earth or alien worlds.

In fiction, Ridadel is used as a primary energy storage material, a catalyst for advanced reactions, and as a valuable trade good. Its resonance with magnetic or gravitational fields allows it to power reactors, starships, or wormhole conduits, depending on the setting. Some cultures attach cultural significance to Ridadel, weaving it into ritual objects or currency.

The name Ridadel likely derives from a fictional early explorer or a coined term in the author’s world-building lexicon; alternate spellings may appear in different works.