Zephirum

Zephirum is a fictional metallic element featured in speculative fiction, science fiction, and tabletop role-playing games. Named for Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind, it is described as a lightweight, highly ductile metal with exceptional resistance to corrosion. The material’s status—whether a pure element, an alloy, or a compound—varies between works.

In many depictions, zephirum has a bluish-silver appearance and a low density compared with common metals. Some sources describe it as forming stable compounds with hydrogen or other elements, while others portray it as remaining uncombined. The melting point and hardness likewise differ across narratives, reflecting its role as a flexible plot device rather than a canonical material.

Within fictional worlds, zephirum is said to originate from meteorites, deep-sea vents, or be synthesized in advanced reactors. Production and refinement are often depicted as requiring specialized electromagnetic, thermal, or wind-assisted processes, aligning with its mythic naming and associations with air and wind energy.

Common applications in these settings include lightweight aircraft skins, lightweight structural alloys for spacecraft, and energy storage devices. Its purported corrosion resistance and durability in extreme environments make it a convenient material for high-performance engineering in imagined futures.

See also: unobtainium, vibranium, adamantine. Etymology: from Zephyrus, the west wind. Real-world status: Zephirum is a fictional material and has no basis in real-world chemistry or geology.