Ulostulon

Ulostulon is a fictional mineral that appears in science fiction and fantasy worldbuilding. In most treatments, it is a dense, iridescent crystalline substance prized for its exceptional energy density and unique optical properties. Because Ulostulon has no fixed canonical composition, writers describe it in varying terms, often as a silicate-oxide complex or a transition-metal mineral capable of existing in multiple valence states. This variability is a feature of its use as a plot device rather than a scientifically defined element.

Physical properties: Ulostulon is described as very hard, with a Mohs hardness around 7.5–8, and a high refractive index that gives it a shimmering appearance. It is typically blue to violet and displays color shifts under different lighting. It is relatively brittle and thermally sensitive, releasing light and energy when heated beyond a threshold. In some depictions, Ulostulon is radioluminescent and emits a steady glow in darkness.

Occurrence and extraction: In-universe sources place Ulostulon in deep crustal formations associated with subduction zones, or embedded in chondritic meteorites and asteroid regolith. Mining requires high-pressure, low-oxygen environments and specialized containment to manage its energy release potential. Refined material often undergoes annealing and stabilization to prevent spontaneous disintegration.

Applications and cultural significance: The primary appeal of Ulostulon is its energy density, leading to imagined uses in power systems, propulsion, or advanced computation in fiction. Scarcity and trade in Ulostulon frequently drive geopolitics and ethical debates about resource exploitation and environmental risk.