Composite Ores

In Far From Home, each asteroid is a complex mosaic of minerals and elements, offering a diverse array of compositions that present unique opportunities and challenges.

The extraction and processing of composite ores from asteroids play a crucial role in the advancement and survival of players in the universe. These ores, composed of various elemental concentrations, provide the raw materials for a multitude of applications, ranging from construction of space habitats to the development of advanced technologies and manufacturing. Players, upon approaching an asteroid, utilize scanning technology to reveal the ore's composition, such as the percentage of olivine, hematite, or other minerals.

Once the ores are mined, players transport them to space station refineries, where they undergo a transformation from raw, composite materials to purified elements. The refined elements serve as building blocks for a wide array of applications, propelling players further into the depths of space and enabling them to leave their mark on the universe.

This guide delves into the diverse array of composite ores players will encounter in their cosmic journey within Far From Home. While it highlights key ores and their elemental compositions, it's important to remember that this is not an exhaustive list. The universe of Far From Home is continuously evolving, bringing forth new and undiscovered ores, each with unique properties and potential.

Hematite is often found in sedimentary rocks, hot springs, and volcanic regions. It is renowned for its deep red to black color and metallic luster when polished, though it can also appear dull in less refined forms. The name hematite is derived from the Greek word for blood, a reference to its red streak when powdered. Chemically, hematite is an iron oxide and is a primary ore of iron, making it a key material in the production of iron and steel.

Chalcopyrite is a widely distributed copper iron sulfide mineral, known for its brass-yellow coloration that resembles gold. Often referred to as the "fool's gold" of copper minerals, it has a metallic luster and a greenish-black streak. Chalcopyrite is primarily found in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary, and igneous rock formations, where it forms under a wide range of temperatures and geological conditions. Copper obtained from chalcopyrite is used for electrical systems, circuitry, and other essential components of space habitats and ships.

Ilmenite is a significant ore mineral of titanium and is commonly found in the form of a black or dark gray solid. Its chemical composition is iron titanium oxide, and it often occurs in large masses in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in sedimentary deposits. Ilmenite is opaque and has a slightly metallic luster, with a submetallic to dull sheen in its unpolished form. Ilmenite is particularly valuable for its titanium content, which is extracted and used in the production, widely used in advanced materials crucial for building durable and lightweight space habitats, vehicles, and equipment, enhancing their capabilities for deep space exploration and survival.

Olivine is a common magnesium-iron silicate mineral found in a wide range of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Olivine is distinguished by its olive-green color, which can vary from yellow to green to brown based on its iron content. The mineral exhibits a glassy luster and conchoidal fracture, with a hardness that makes it suitable for various production processes. Mining and processing olivine could provide essential materials for constructing habitats, life-support systems, or other infrastructure required for long-term space colonization and exploration.

Quartz occurs in many different forms and colors, ranging from clear and colorless to various shades imparted by impurities and it's found in a variety of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Quartz has a wide range of industrial uses due to its physical and chemical properties. It is used in the making of glass, and as a raw material in the electronics industry utilized in crafting advanced electronic devices and sensors required for space exploration.

Chamosite is a member of the chlorite group of minerals, characterized by its greenish to grayish-green coloration. Chamosite typically forms in low to moderate temperature environments and is commonly found in iron ore deposits, sedimentary rocks like shales and limestones, and in association with other minerals in hydrothermal veins. Mining Chamosite providing resources for constructing habitat modules, life support systems, and other infrastructure

Chaoite is a rare and intriguing mineral, primarily known for being one of the few naturally occurring forms of crystalline carbon, aside from diamond and graphite. Chaoite is distinguished by its white to grayish-white color, a stark contrast to the typical black or metallic appearance of most carbon materials, typically formed under extremely high-pressure conditions.

Enstatite is a silicate mineral belonging to the pyroxene group, characterized by its high magnesium content. This mineral typically presents itself in various shades of green, brown, or white, and can range from transparent to translucent in appearance. It has a vitreous luster and a hardness that is comparable to other silicate minerals, making it relatively durable. This mineral is notable for its resistance to heat and weathering, making it useful in industrial applications such as heat-resistant components, insulation, and ceramics.

Titanite is a calcium titanium silicate mineral characterized by its high dispersion and refractive index, which gives it a brilliant fire when cut and polished. The color of titanite can range from yellow, green, brown to black, depending on its iron content and other impurities. This mineral typically forms in metamorphic rocks and is often found in igneous rocks as well. Its gemstone quality can make it valuable as crucial for advanced technological applications.

Siderite is a mineral composed primarily of iron carbonate. It typically appears in shades of brown, yellow-brown, or gray, and forms an integral part of sedimentary, metamorphic, and hydrothermal rock formations. Siderite is known for its glassy to pearly luster and can exhibit a wide range of crystal forms, though it is commonly found in massive or rhombohedral structures offering a source of iron that might be easier to process than other iron ores but less abundant.

Magnetite is a naturally occurring iron oxide mineral and is one of the main sources of iron ore. It is notable for its strong magnetic properties, making it the most magnetic of all the naturally occurring minerals.

Serpentinite is a group of minerals known for their distinctive blue color, silky luster, and smooth or scaly texture. These minerals are hydrous magnesium iron phyllosilicates, commonly found in metamorphic rocks formed under low-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Serpentinite minerals have properties that make them interesting in a variety of applications. They are resistant to heat, acids, and electricity, making them useful in industrial settings.

*The detailed ore composition will be revealed in future versions of the Galactopedia. These values represent the current state of the alpha version and may not accurately reflect the final game balance.

Note: This Galactopedia entry is based on known data up to 2023 and may be subject to revisions with newer discoveries. It serves as a comprehensive guide for travelers, engineers, and enthusiasts alike, ensuring that knowledge remains accessible to all.

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Last updated 11 months ago