katodu

Katodu is a fictional mineral frequently used in science fiction and world-building exercises to illustrate ore genesis, mineral economics, and materials engineering. In most depictions, katodu is a copper-rich sulfide ore with a distinctive iridescent surface that appears when light reflects off its crystal facets. The term is not part of any real mineral nomenclature and is treated as a setting-specific concept.

Etymology: The name katodu is a neologism created for fictional contexts. Some writers attribute it to the imagined Katoda region, while others present it as a compound from a constructed language in the story world. There is no universal real-world etymology.

Formation and properties: Katodu is described as forming in hydrothermal veins within subduction-zone geology. Crystals are typically small, with a metallic luster. Reported Mohs hardness is around 3 to 4, and the relative density is often cited around 5.2. Its composition is described as copper sulfide with trace elements such as iron, zinc, and occasionally arsenic. The iridescence is attributed to surface microstructures rather than composition alone.

Occurrence and deposits: In fiction, major katodu deposits are imagined in remote archipelagos and volcanic arcs near planetary crust boundaries, with notable deposits named in various texts but not consistently across works.

Uses and significance: In narrative contexts, katodu serves as a copper source for electronics, alloys, and art objects. Its fictional mining and refining workflows are used to explore topics such as supply chains, environmental impact, labor practices, and geopolitical tension over mineral resources.