Vasé

Vasé is a fictional mineral cited in science fiction and speculative works as a rare, energy-dense crystalline substance. Descriptions vary, but vasé is commonly portrayed as translucent to iridescent crystals that glow and respond to heat or electricity. It is not tied to a single canon.

Etymology is inconsistent across works; vasé is generally portrayed as a coined term. Some authors suggest a root implying conduit or vessel, while others simply invent the name without intrinsic meaning.

Physical properties widely differ by author, but vasé is often described as a polycrystalline material with high energy density and a flexible oxidation state. Some depictions assign it superconducting properties at accessible cryogenic temperatures, enabling efficient power transfer.

Occurrence and geology: In-fiction geologies place vasé in hydrothermal veins within basaltic or ultramafic rocks, or as shock-stabilized nodules in meteorites. Its extraction is depicted as technically demanding and hazardous due to rapid energy release if mishandled.

Applications: Vasé is used in energy storage, superconducting cables, catalysts, and propulsion systems in narrative technologies. Processing typically involves stabilization steps to prevent spontaneous discharge and to harness its energy safely in devices.

Cultural role: Across media, vasé serves as a plot device for scarcity, innovation, and ethical questions about resource exploitation. It appears in novels, role-playing games, and films as a catalyst for conflict and technological progress.