stelliet

Stelliet is a term that has appeared in speculative fiction and some non-scientific geology discussions as the name of a hypothetical mineral or alloy associated with stars. There is no generally accepted, peer-reviewed definition of stelliet in real-world mineralogy, and it is not listed by the International Mineralogical Association. In most usages, stelliet is described as a rare, crystalline substance with properties linked to stellar energy, such as luminescence, heat resistance, or unique fracture patterns, though these descriptions vary by author. Because stelliet is not an established mineral, its chemical composition and crystal structure are not standardized.

In fictional contexts, stelliet is often portrayed as formed under extreme conditions, such as in stellar nebulae or around pulsars. Some narratives describe stelliet as having a faint intrinsic glow, a high melting point, and the ability to conduct or store energy, making it valuable for advanced technologies or propulsion systems. The term is sometimes confused with or intentionally contrasted with stellite, a real family of cobalt-chromium alloys used for wear resistance in industrial applications. The similarity in spelling has contributed to ambiguity in non-specialist discussions.

Etymology: the name combines the word stellar with a suffix common to mineral names, emphasizing a connection to stars or space.