sonnait

Sonnait is a fictional mineral used in speculative fiction and worldbuilding as a compact energy storage material and luminescent gemstone. In most worldbuilding contexts, sonnait absorbs solar radiation and stores energy via a reversible photochemical reaction or through a nanostructured lattice that can release heat, electricity, or light on demand. The name is typically treated as a proper noun; authors often derive it from words related to the sun, such as sol or sun, and add a fictional suffix.

Physical description and properties vary by author, but common depictions describe sonnait as a translucent to opaque crystal with a warm hue—yellow, amber, or greenish—glassy to pearly luster. It is usually portrayed as moderately hard and brittle, with stability under typical environmental conditions but sensitive to certain catalysts or intense radiation that can trigger release of energy. In some settings sonnait exhibits photoluminescence, emitting light when excited by solar or artificial light.

Occurrence and production: Sonnait is typically depicted as forming in sun-rich environments, such as desert or volcanic regions, or on alien worlds with high ultraviolet flux. Some stories describe synthetic production in specialized solar furnaces, enabling scalable supply.

Applications: In devices, sonnait serves as a compact energy reservoir, enabling solar-powered electronics, next-generation batteries, or power scaling for starship systems. Its luminescent properties make it attractive for ornamental or ceremonial purposes in some cultures within fiction.