hamsterit

Hamsterit is a fictional mineral used in speculative geology, science fiction, and tabletop role-playing games. In these contexts, it is described as a silicate mineral that forms as small crystals or grains and often displays a pale green to blue color with a glassy to vitreous luster.

Etymology and naming: The term hamsterit follows the common mineral suffix -ite and is generally treated as a constructed name within stories. There is no real-world etymology; the name is typically chosen for phonetic appeal or to reflect a fictional discovery setting.

Occurrence and formation: Within fictional canons, hamsterit is said to form through hydrothermal activity or metasomatic alteration of basaltic rocks in subduction zones. It is described as rare, localized to specific geologic settings, and frequently found as small, prismatic crystals in vesicles.

Properties: Hamsterit is described as translucent to transparent, with a Mohs hardness around 6 to 7 and a vitreous to pearly luster. Its specific gravity is typically stated between 3.2 and 3.6, and it may exhibit conchoidal fracture with distinct cleavage angles in some depictions.

Uses and cultural role: In fiction and gaming, hamsterit is often depicted as a valuable energy-absorbing or catalytic material, used to power miniature devices or as a trade commodity in fictional economies. Some adaptations portray it as having color-changing properties under ultraviolet light.

See also: minerals, -ite naming convention, fictional minerals.