Etherium

Etherium, optionally ethalium, ethelium, etharium and etherilite when not purified, is a substance that seems to exist on Earth and most of the Solar System for unknown reasons. Etherium came on Earth through meteorites that continue to strike Earth to this day.

The name "Etherium" comes from the word "ethereal", deriving from the Greek word "aitherios", and the standard element ending letters of "-ium". "Ethereal" is a word that means "extremely delicate", or "heavenly" which is why etherium is a "beautiful element", and sometimes called the "element of the heavens".

Despite being named similarly to an element, Etherium is not recognized as an element and is more of a "mineral" than an actual element.

Characteristics
Etherium is characterized by a originally solid substance, called Etherilite. Etherium cannot be harnessed for it's usage while in etherilite state, and must be purified through the introduction of nitrogen to the Etherilite deposit. Nitrogen already in Earth's atmosphere is able to purify Etherium while in this state, but it takes thousands of years and must remain undisturbed for the full effect.

While in etherilite state, Etherium gives off small dosages of radiation and care must be required in order to safely purify etherilite.

When purified, Etherium takes on the shape of a liquid glowing substance that varies depending on how much nitrogen was involved in etherilite purification. A large amount of nitrogen turns etherium a purple color while a small amount turns it white. A notification of the right amount of nitrogen used happens if etherium turns a cobalt color, and is generally the accepted form of etherium. While in this state, Etherium becomes safe to touch as it no longer emits radiation, but is fatal if ingested. Etherium moves like mercury while in this state.

Etherium, despite being safe to touch, is highly flammable, meaning irregular storage conditions can lead to etherium exploding, causing damage.

Usage
Etherium is a major power source in many locations, but like everything it is almost scarce. Etherium reproduction is not understood, and it is likely a substance that comes naturally. There are versions of Etherium made to combat this, including ethalium and etharium, which are caused by etherium being exposed to hydrogen when being purified, and being exposed to uranium respectively. Ethalium is much more preferred as etharium is potentially toxic.

Etherium is used in the robot industry as an alternative but expensive power source. Etherium is able to last a robot ten to twenty years, but etherium's rarity causes large prices. The average price of a robot powered on etherium stands around $15,000 in the modern United States alone, which is why solar energy or other energy sources are more common than etherium.

Etherium is often used instead of plutonium when it comes to robots sent to other planets, but solar panels are often packed with the robot as an emergency.

Meteors
Etherium arrives on Earth via meteor strikes, which often go unnoticed and are more common in rural areas, meaning etherium is often scarce due to a lack of detection and visibility. Etherium meteors often strike earth every twelve years and are often confused for unpredicted meteor showers.

In many beliefs, being born on an Etherium meteor shower often blesses the child.

Presence on other worlds
Etherium is found on other planets, including Ares, Cadmus, Io, Ganymede, and in places as far as Ponos and Triton. Etherium is often called the "Everything Substance" due to it's presence on almost every planet, moon system or anything similar. Mining of Etherium is often considered in many of these places.

Locations
Etherium supplies have been sighted across the world including large ones under Newfoundland, the Amazon Rainforest (specifically South Brazil, Amazonia and more recently Rondonia), the Alps, some areas in the Saharan Desert and the Himalayas, and (albeit disputed) waters off the coast of. Atlantica, the United States and the northern coasts of Russia.

Etherium has also been reported outside Earth including large supplies on Artemis, Cadmus and Ares, though the latter is also disputed.