Slocus

Slocus is a fictional mineral and data medium used in science fiction literature, games, and world-building. It is described as a crystalline substance with an intrinsic memory that can encode and preserve information without continuous power, functioning as both material and stored-data medium.

Its physical properties are variable by depiction but commonly include a translucent to iridescent appearance, color from pale blue to violet, and a density around three grams per cubic centimeter. The lattice structure supports directional data encoding through mechanical stress, temperature, or optical stimuli, creating stable memory states that endure for long periods.

Typical applications in fiction include archival data storage, secure cryptographic keys, and programmable sensors. Slocus is also portrayed as a component in energy transfer or propulsion systems in some settings, while in others it serves ceremonial or symbolic roles due to its perceived longevity and authenticity.

In most narratives, Slocus deposits are found on archaic planets or asteroid belts, mined with specialized equipment and refined through processes that preserve memory integrity. Its availability shapes economies, trade routes, and ethics regarding access, exploitation, and the preservation of knowledge. The term has spread beyond its original works into fan-produced settings.