kundust

Kundust is a fictional granular material that appears in speculative science fiction and related genres. It is typically described as a fine dust composed of nano-scale particles with tunable photonic and electrical properties, capable of forming self-assembling structures under controlled fields.

In common depictions, kundust particles range from about 5 to 100 nanometers and can be dispersed in liquids or embedded in solids. When arranged into ordered lattices, the particles exhibit adjustable iridescence and can function as a dynamic optical medium or as a medium for charge transport. In-universe production methods vary, including nanoscale synthesis, laser ablation, and mining of specialized seams. It can be maintained as a free-flowing powder or embedded in polymers for coatings, displays, or composite materials.

Applications in fiction include holographic displays, adaptive camouflage, secure data storage, energy storage, and anti-counterfeiting coatings. The material is frequently described as requiring careful handling to prevent inhalation hazards and to preserve its ordered state, with narratives detailing containment, clean-room protocols, and field-alignment equipment.

Real-world usage of the term kundust is limited to niche branding or speculative design discussions; it is not recognized as a standard material in contemporary scientific catalogs.