zoysz

Zoysz is a fictional mineral species that appears in speculative fiction, tabletop role-playing games, and related media. In most in-universe descriptions, zoysz is a dense, silicate-rich mineral notable for a pale blue-green color, a high refractive index, and a faint bioluminescent glow that intensifies near electric fields. Its fracture surfaces display a distinctive radiating pattern, and it is unusually resistant to cleavage, making it a coveted material for both ornament and hardware within the stories.

The name zoysz is said to originate from the Zoy language of the island chain of Zayra, where the mineral first features in folklore as zoysz, meaning "glimmering stone." In later fiction, authors adopted the term as an in-universe label for a resource with unusual properties.

In geological terms within the fiction, zoysz is described as forming in ultra-high-pressure environments such as deep mantle analogs or subduction-zone facies. Analyses in various works portray a complex silicate network with trace rare-earth elements and a lattice that imparts both hardness and unique electrical characteristics. Claims in some sources describe potential uses in energy storage, radiation shielding, or as a component in advanced instruments, depending on the technological setting.

Zoysz has appeared in novels, game supplements, and fan wikis as a plot device that motivates exploration, mining rights disputes, and the development of fictional technologies. Critics of the material note that its attributes are varied across sources, reflecting the differing worldbuilding goals of authors. The term remains a staple in discussions of fictional minerals and resource economies.