Tarjanin

Tarjanin is a fictional mineral used in science fiction and fantasy contexts to illustrate advanced materials. It is described as a dense, lustrous crystalline substance with a characteristic blue-gray hue and a prism-like habit. In many settings, Tarjanin is notable for combining extreme hardness with unusual electronic and magnetic properties.

In-universe geology places Tarjanin in high-pressure, high-temperature metamorphic zones and ultramafic magmas. It crystallizes in deep crustal pockets and is often associated with sulfide minerals. The name Tarjanin is derived from the fictional Tarjan Belt, where early deposits were described, and from mineralogist Lian Tarjan, who popularized the material in the lore.

Tarjanin reportedly maintains structural integrity at high temperatures and pressures, has high thermal conductivity, and exhibits superconductive-like electrical behavior under specific magnetic field conditions in certain stories. Its magnetic susceptibility makes it a candidate for advanced propulsion, energy storage, and shield technology in spacefaring settings. However, its brittleness and rarity pose significant challenges for extraction and processing.

In narratives, Tarjanin commands high value and is tightly controlled by regulatory bodies. It is often portrayed as a strategic resource whose availability influences political and economic power. Scientific consensus within the fictional universe remains unsettled due to limited specimen availability and competing theories about its composition.