stíbra

Stíbra is a fictional mineral introduced in speculative fiction and worldbuilding. It is notable for its luminescent reaction to light and its purported stability under extreme conditions. The term is not used in real-world geology outside of fictional contexts.

Etymology and name origins are typically described in-world as a hybrid derivation from a Nordic-inspired vocabulary with the suffix -bra, a convention used in lore to designate minerals with unusual properties. The exact linguistic history varies by author or setting, but the name consistently evokes strength and radiance.

Occurrence and geology within the fictional setting place stíbra in hydrothermal veins within basaltic crust, often near tectonically active zones. It is usually found alongside copper, tin, and other base metals and occurs in small, coherent crystals. The ore is said to form under high-temperature, high-pressure conditions that stabilize its crystal lattice.

Physical and chemical properties are described as a dense, metallic-blue mineral with a pearlescent glow. It reportedly resists corrosion and exhibits anisotropic luminescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light. In fictional chemistry, stíbra centers on a nickel-cobalt-iron lattice with trace rare-earth elements, contributing to its described stability and optical effects.

Applications and technology in the narrative emphasize stíbra’s lattice structure as enabling high-efficiency catalysis and exotic superconductivity. This supports uses in compact energy storage, precision sensors, and propulsion components for starships. Its rarity and purification requirements render it a strategic resource within the story world.

See also: stibnite (a real mineral with a similar name). In-world, stíbra should be understood as a fictional construct and not an entry in real mineral science.