pulverien

Pulverien is a fictional mineral referenced in speculative materials science and worldbuilding. It is described as a layered oxide-sulfide-phosphate compound with an iridescent sheen, found in ultramafic rocks of the fictional Volcanic Range.

The name derives from Latin pulveris, meaning dust, reflecting its common milled form. The term was introduced by geologists studying the range in 2148 AR.

Pulverien crystals are small and prismatic. Color is pale steel gray with blue-green iridescence. Hardness about 6.5 on the Mohs scale; density around 4.9 g/cm3. Thermal stability near 900°C. It is semi-conductive with a fictional band gap near 2.3 eV.

Occurrences are in schists and pegmatites, forming by hydrothermal alteration of iron-rich minerals. Synthetic Pulverien can be produced by hydrothermal vapor deposition followed by milling.

Processing involves grinding to sub-micron powders and surface treatments to tailor conductivity or catalytic activity. It is handled as a dust hazard, with typical protective measures.

Applications include high-energy-density electrode material for fictional batteries, catalyst support, abrasive with low wear, and pigment use for its iridescence.

In the fictional framework, no real-world toxicology is established beyond standard dust safety.

Pulverien was described by Dr. Liana Miro in 2148 in the Volcanic Range; it has since appeared in several worldbuilding compendia.