Chronosite (Scientific designation: C-99) is a purple, crystalline mineral native exclusively to Xylos. It was first categorized by Dr. Aris Thorne during The First Descent. In its inert state, Chronosite is harmless and resembles standard quartz, but it possesses a Mohs hardness of 9.5, making it incredibly difficult to extract without specialized lasers.
The mineral exhibits unique properties related to quantum entropy. When exposed to high-frequency sonic resonance, Chronosite vibrates out of phase with local time. This reaction allows for the manipulation of temporal flows, a process utilized in Flux-Capacitive Mining. A single kilogram of refined Chronosite can power a localized stasis field for three standard years, making it the most valuable resource in the galaxy.
However, handling the material comes with severe risks. Prolonged exposure to raw, resonating Chronosite without adequate Harmonic Shielding causes the cells of biological organisms to age or regress rapidly, a condition known as Temporal Sickness. Because of this, the trade of unrefined shards is strictly prohibited by Interstellar Law.
Black market traders often sell "spent" Chronosite as jewelry, though these grey, dull stones usually retain enough residual radiation to cause minor hallucinations in the wearer.