harduz

Harduz is a fictional mineral described in science fiction and fantasy works as an ultrahard crystalline material with exceptional resistance to heat and chemical attack. In many depictions, harduz is harder than diamond and remains stable at temperatures that oxidize other substances. The mineral is typically described as colorless to pale blue or gray, with an adamantine luster and a relatively high density.

Its crystal structure is variously depicted as hexagonal or orthorhombic, with strong covalent or mixed bonds that account for its hardness. In-universe formation stories vary: some sources claim harduz forms in high-pressure, high-temperature mantle environments or deep-crust metamorphism, while others describe synthetic production in laboratory reactors. Occurrences are described as rare and localized to certain fictional regions or meteorite streams.

Because of its durability, harduz is used in advanced tools, cutting blades, armor plating, and heat-resistant components for spacecraft and reactors in different settings. It is often treated as a scarce strategic resource, with trade and conflict focused on controlling deposits or production facilities.

Etymology: the name is usually explained as a compound of "hard" and a suffix -uz, chosen to imply exceptional hardness. The term has variations in different media, sometimes spelled hardüs or hardos.

See also: diamond, boron nitride, silicon carbide.