kaarevus

Kaarevus is a fictional mineral introduced in speculative geology and science fiction contexts. It is described as a rare aluminosilicate with distinctive optical properties and notable electronic characteristics, drawing interest for potential technological applications.

Discovery and naming. It was first described in 2123 by researchers associated with the International Mineral Society after specimens were recovered from a xenolithic rock sample on an asteroid visited during the Astra IX mission. The name honors the fictional mineralogist Kaare Vus. Since then, additional specimens have been reported from meteorites and simulated lunar regolith experiments.

Occurrence and formation. Kaarevus is reported to form under high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic conditions and to crystallize in coarse grains within ultramafic rocks, as well as as inclusions in certain meteorites. Its occurrence is described as rare and associated with small extraterrestrial bodies, with occasional reports from simulated deep-crust environments on airless bodies.

Composition and structure. It is described as a complex aluminosilicate containing potassium, aluminum, magnesium, iron, and silicon, often with trace titanium. Crystals are typically prismatic and range in color from colorless to blue-green, with a pearly to vitreous luster. The mineral is placed in a monoclinic crystal system in speculative classifications.

Properties and potential uses. In the fictional framework, kaarevus exhibits unusual electronic properties, including a narrow band gap and potential for energy storage materials and low-temperature superconductivity in theoretical models. Research into synthetic analogs is described as ongoing within this context, with attention to scalable laboratory synthesis.

See also and etymology. Related speculative minerals include xenototalite and astro-silicates. The name kaarevus derives from the surname of the fictional mineralogist Kaare Vus.