Varion

Varion is a fictional material widely used in science fiction as an energy resource and construction component. The term appears across novels, games, and films, with variations in its properties and origin. It is not a real chemical element or mineral.

In most depictions, varion is a dense, stable substance that can store large amounts of energy and be harnessed with minimal loss. The material often demonstrates superconductivity, high thermal tolerance, and resistance to radiation, though exact specifications vary by author. Some versions describe programmability at the molecular level, allowing varion to change shape or function when exposed to specific stimuli.

In-world, varion is typically sourced from distant asteroids or mined in specialized orbital facilities. Its extraction can be dangerous or controversial due to volatile or unstable isotopes. Trade routes and supply chains for varion feature prominently in political and economic plots, with governments regulating mining and export.

Common uses include propulsion systems for spacecraft, compact power cores, and advanced shielding for starships. It also appears in fiction as a catalyst for faster-than-light or warp technologies, though such claims are speculative within each universe.

Variants such as varion-X or varion-Alpha appear in different franchises, with differing properties and governance. Some works explore ethical questions related to Varion mining, environmental impact, and monopolization.