Granium Alloy

Granium is a complex metal alloy made of a self-supporting crystal structure akin to something like Jovium or metallic hydrogen. It is the most common building material for many spaceborne structures. Granium is manufactured more than any other alloy, and as a result is relatively cheap. There are several variations of Granium used in different ships. Granium can also be nuclear hardened to resist strong radiation sources, making it a good reactor shield in case of Vacuum-Alkaloid Neutralizer failure.
Because of its unique chemical make up Granium forms a hard composite outer layer when exposed to the vacuum of space. It is made this way in order to seal microfractures and to prevent vacuum welding. Within a vacuum it is essentially self healing to some extent. Because of this property Granium plating cannot be assembled in orbital factory stations like most other ship components. Instead it is created and refined on large planetside magneto-forges that use large electromagnets to force Granium molecules into a cohesive solid state. Graniums 'natural' state is actually liquid, but it can be bound into a metallic solid state via the forging process.
Due to the polluting properties of the forging process the biospheres and atmospheres of many factory worlds have been heavily damaged, especially systems with megaforges like the worlds of Binna, Xorasine, Nova Rift, and Worldbuilders Incorporated. Because of the environmental impact of the forge process there are movements against using Granium as a material. There are not any viable options for a replacement alloy. Other materials similar to Granium are more expensive or not as strong.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Graniums appearance dark gray. Structural grooves are usually cut into Granium plates to improve stability. Granium takes on a lighter color and more marbled look if it was incorrectly forged and refined. The location of the forge where a plate was made and its forging date is also micro-engraved on to the plate in various places.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Granium is non-reactive and resistant against radiation. It can't be easily bent unless heated to extreme temperatures. After hitting its melting point Granium cannot solidify until it is re-forged.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Types of Granium make up hulls of ships and stations in space. It is also used as battery casing and reactor casing because of its properties.

Type

Metal

Odor

Odorless

Taste

Metallic

Color

Gray