lastrum

Lastrum is a fictional chemical element widely referenced in science fiction, described as a rare, dense metal with extraordinary electronic and quantum properties. In most portrayals, lastrum exhibits high electrical conductivity, resilience to corrosion, and an unusual magnetic permeability that enables efficient energy transfer and compact superconducting circuits. Some texts describe lastrum as existing in several isotopes with varying stability, though its full physical profile remains speculative and varies by author.

Occurrence and production: Lastrum is typically said to occur in trace amounts in extraterrestrial crusts, especially in asteroid belts and on certain exoplanets. Commercial production, when depicted, involves deep-space mining, followed by high-temperature refining and isotope separation to produce usable metallurgical ingots or tailored alloys.

Technological role: In fiction, lastrum is used for high-density energy storage, superconducting magnets for propulsion or containment fields, and as a key component in advanced sensors and quantum devices. Its physical behavior is often central to plot devices, such as enabling rapid energy transfer or enabling compact reactors.

Name and etymology: The name is commonly attributed to the mythical planet Lastra or to researchers who first described it in speculative fiction, with the element symbol sometimes given as LaS or Ls in various works.

Safety and controversy: As a fictional material, there is little standardized safety data; depictions range from benign to highly reactive or radiotoxic in oxide form, depending on the narrative needs.

See also: List of fictional elements, list of elements in popular culture.