Smarach

Smarach is a fictional mineral that appears in science fiction literature and tabletop role-playing campaigns. It is described as a dense, cobalt- to indigo-hued crystalline substance with unusual electronic properties and strong luminescence. Although details vary by author, smarach is typically portrayed as a versatile energy material central to advanced technologies.

Properties: Smarach crystals are said to possess high electrical conductivity and a lattice structure that supports rapid electron transport. In many depictions, smarach exhibits superconductivity at cryogenic temperatures, enabling lossless power transfer, while other versions describe high-temperature variants or tunneling effects. The mineral is often noted for magneto-optical responsiveness and a pronounced glow under ultraviolet light.

Occurrence and extraction: In-fiction geology places smarach in deep volcanic or seafloor environments, often within basaltic or ultramafic rocks. It is typically formed in high-pressure, hydrothermal conditions and extracted by specialized mining and crystallization processes. Processing steps commonly involve selective dissolution, solvent re-crystallization, and strict contamination controls to preserve its electronic properties.

Applications: Within narratives, smarach is used for energy storage, propulsion systems, and quantum devices. Its purported energy density and conductivity make it a sought-after material for starship power cores, smart grids, and military hardware. Real-world analogs in games sometimes assign operational risks, such as radioactivity, magnetism conflicts, or supply instability.

Etymology and usage: The name smarach appears to originate in a fictional language created by multiple authors, sometimes traced to the invented lexicon of a particular author or game designer. In-universe, its discovery often sparks political and economic competition among planetary factions.