sattun

Sattun is a fictional mineral frequently featured in science fiction and worldbuilding. In most depictions, sattun is a crystalline substance with a blue or iridescent glow and a high energy yield when processed. Its properties and applications vary by author, but it is commonly positioned as a strategic resource essential for advanced propulsion and power systems.

In fictional settings, sattun is described as forming in deep crustal pockets on certain rocky worlds, often alongside other rare minerals. It is typically mined under strict safety protocols because improper handling can cause unstable exothermic reactions or radiation-like effects. Refining sattun usually requires specialized facilities that shield the material from moisture and heat. Its luminescence is frequently portrayed as modulated by magnetic or electromagnetic fields, a feature used for detection and signaling.

The name sattun is attributed to a frontier-dwelling culture in the early era of space exploration in many stories. Etymologies vary, but several authors present it as meaning "light stone" or "breath of energy" in a fictional language. Alternate spellings such as sattûn appear in some works.

In storytelling, sattun commonly drives plot and worldbuilding: disputes over deposits, smuggling and monopolies by corporate entities, and the development of refinements enabling long-duration space travel. While popular as a plot device, the material remains fictional, with no real-world counterpart.