vastajal

Vastajal is a fictional crystalline mineral described in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing game lore as a rare energy-conductive resource. In most narratives, vastajal crystals act as high-density storage media or components for advanced power systems, enabling compact energy storage with low degradation over many cycles.

Origin of the name: In-universe sources attribute the term to the ancient Vastajal tongue, often translated as "light-holder" or "energy-bloom," and used to designate the mineral itself. Variants of the etymology appear across different works, reflecting diverse cultural contexts within the fiction.

Properties: Vastajal is typically depicted as colorless to translucent with a faint iridescence. It is said to form a quasi-crystalline lattice resistant to thermal and radiation damage, allowing stable performance across a wide temperature range. The exact chemical composition varies by story, with some texts describing it as a multi-element alloy and others as a pure crystal with unique lattice parameters.

Occurrence and discovery: In several narratives, vastajal deposits occur in basaltic volcanic rocks on remote worlds, notably in the Xelara system or the moon of Kharad in various settings. It is mined by specialized crews and refined through high-temperature processing to ingots, wafers, or integrated circuits.

Uses and economic role: Within fiction, vastajal-based devices power starship propulsion, shield generators, and compact energy cells. Its scarcity and regulatory status drive trade routes and geopolitical tension between mining guilds, planetary administrations, and technocratic orders.

See also: energy crystal, quantum crystal, quasi-crystal.