luminite

Luminite is a luminous mineral described in speculative geology and fiction. In most depictions, luminite is a silicate or phosphate mineral that stores energy from light or radiation and re-emits it as visible light, producing a steady afterglow in darkness.

Properties: Natural luminite crystals are typically colorless or pale; when activated they glow blue to green. It exhibits a pale to moderate luster and a hardness around 5–6 on the Mohs scale; density approximately 3.9 g/cm3. The composition is variable, but practical samples are described as calcium, aluminum, silicon, or rare-earth doped materials with activator ions such as europium or dysprosium responsible for the luminescence.

Formation and occurrence: In fiction, luminite forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins, metamorphic pockets, or extraterrestrial deposits. In speculative chemistry, luminite can also be synthesized by incorporating luminescent activators into host lattices during crystallization.

Mining and processing: Luminite is described as relatively rare. It is pursued in small, high-grade deposits. Handling considerations focus on standard mineral safety; the luminescent properties do not indicate radiological hazard in most depictions.

Applications: The glow property makes luminite attractive for decorative stones, jewelry, and wayfinding signage. In some stories, it serves as a portable light source or energy-storage demonstrator, though practical implementations remain theoretical.

See also: phosphor, luminescence, glow-in-the-dark materials.