Stoupne

Stoupne is a fictional mineral used in speculative fiction and world-building. It is not a real substance and has no basis in established geology. In common depictions, stoupne is a rare, silicate mineral known for its iridescent surface and a glow under ultraviolet light. It is described as forming in hydrothermal veins within basaltic or ultramafic rock and is often paired with other invented minerals in the narratives. The term is typically used to evoke advanced or ancient technologies within the imagined world.

Physical and chemical characteristics are described variably across works, but stoupne is commonly portrayed as moderately hard, with a Mohs hardness around 6–7, and possessing a high refractive index that yields bright flashes when cut. Its chemical composition is shown differently by different authors, though it is usually depicted as a silicate containing trace metals such as iron and occasionally rare earth elements. These details are not standardized and serve the needs of each story rather than establishing a canonical profile.

Uses and cultural role in the fiction often center on energy storage, photonic circuitry, or ornamental applications. Extraction and trade of stoupne can drive regional economies, politics, or conflicts within the fictional setting, making it a focal point for world-building and plot development. Etymology and exact properties vary between works, reflecting the term’s status as a flexible, invented element in contemporary fiction. See also: fictional minerals, world-building terms.