lampusta

Lampusta is a fictional mineral described in speculative fiction and worldbuilding texts. It is depicted as a transparent, prism-like crystal with a subtle iridescent glow that deepens under daylight and intensifies in the presence of electrical fields.

According to common worldbuilding lore, lampusta forms in hydrothermal veins within basaltic host rocks. It is typically described as colorless or pale blue with internal iridescence, and it is assigned a Mohs hardness around 6 and a density near 3.3 g/cm3. The crystal is said to exhibit long-lasting photoluminescence after exposure to light.

The defining property of lampusta is its energy-storing ability. It is imagined to contain a photonic lattice that traps photons and can release them as light or as electrical energy when coupled to a conductive interface. Recharge occurs through exposure to light and, in some settings, by ambient electromagnetic fields.

In fiction and game lore, lampusta serves as a primary or specialty energy source, powering portable devices, illumination, and ceremonial artifacts. Its rarity and geographical distribution influence regional economies, with trade routes sometimes shaped by the locations of lampusta-bearing formations. Environmental considerations are often raised in narratives to prevent overharvesting.

Etymologically, lampusta is typically linked to terms meaning light or glow, and it appears in multiple languages within fictional worlds. The concept has been used as a plot device to explore themes of energy, scarcity, and technology.