Salazarium

Salazarium is a non-ferrous artificial metal created after studies of an alien metal sample of extradimensional origin recovered after the Tunguska event in Siberia, 1908, and shared with the United States as part of the terms agreed upon in the top-secret Barcelona Accords of 1948 (the international agreements on metahuman and extraterrestrial operations/events which are the predecessors to the Bowman Acts). Named for the mythological wizard Salazar Slytherin, Salazarium has an atomic number of 676, and possesses a number of unusual innate properties: among them, its hyperconductive nature, the property of inverting gravitons (to allow for flight) and its ability to interfere with inter-dimensional movement (in large amounts; this includes teleportation).

Most prominently, Salazarium is known for its innate anti-magical properties and its ability to remain (for all practical purposes) nearly indestructible, even in very thin layers and in extremely malleable shapes (coils, paper-thin sheets, etc.). When first synthesized, Salazarium is as mallable as gold for the first thirty-six hours of its existence; afterwards, its molecular structure stabilizes and it maintains the form that it has been fashioned into. Only the device known as a 'molecular rearranger', as well as forces or abilities capable of very precise molecular rearrangement, possess the capability of damaging/manipulating Salazarium in its molecular-stable form.

It is believed that the metal sample Salazarium is based on was a sample of Nth Metal, a metal found (until now) only on the alien world of Thanagar which also possess anti-magical properties. In terms of its damage-resistance capacity, Salazarium is most like the mythical metal mithril; as a result, the jackets the members of The Alliance wear (being lined with a thin layer of Salazarium micromesh) are effectively priceless, as are the Legionnares' flight rings.

Another derivative alloy of Nth Netal, Valorium, is the metal used to make the flight rings worn by members of the Legion of Super-Heroes.

In the LLH Mini '...But Determined to Try', it was revealed that the material has a peculiar capability which allows individuals possessing Salazarium objects to communicate with a limited telepathic ability. In LLH 13:9, the metal's anti-magical qualities are once touched upon, as it is shown that even extremely potent mystical artifacts such as the Soul Crystal can be contained or neutralized with large enough amounts of Salazarium.

In the Daylight LLH fic 'The Hope Mission', it is revealed that Salazarium is resistant to the effects of direct contact with 'anti-energy' (and by its very nature, anti-matter as well). It is now only the second known material (besides dilithium) that possesses this quality.

Known uses of Salazarium

 * Salazarium-coated items: These items/devices/vehicles do not suffer the detrimental effects of normal items, etc. when in the presence of extreme concentrations of mystical energy. Electronics remain functional, electricity is not disrupted, and devices, vehicles and items that use the above items will function and operate normally. It should be noted that even a very thin coating of Salazarium upon an item (or mixed within paint or other coating materials) will provide this effect and allow devices to work in areas of concentrated mystical energy. (Persons with psionic powers that are affected by strong concentrations of mystical energy can also be protected from the detrimental effects by wearing protective coverings or attire laced with Salazarium.)


 * Salazarium 'ghillie-mesh' coverings: wearers are resistant to the primary effects of magic.


 * Salazarium aerosols – metallic particles suspended in am aerosol mist; sprayed into an area by various means and inhaled into the body. (The Salazarium cannot be absorbed by the human body and is excreted in urine; is usually removed by the body within 24 hours.) Mystical powers and senses are negated totally during the time of effect.


 * Psychically-gifted individuals wearing Salazarium items do not suffer the debilitating effects to their powers that are usually associated with being subjected to extreme concentrations of mystical energy.


 * Salazarium-tipped ammunition: The rounds are totally unaffected by the primary effects of magic. (Example: Salazarium-tipped rounds would pass directly through a defensive barrier of mystic origin.)


 * Psychon-power augmenters and regulators and negation bands used by psychically-active individuals in the U.S. Government (and affiliated groups), and negation bands used by the preceding groups.


 * PFT Weapon usage: the inner workings are made of minute amounts of the metal. In the PFT-M3 and M3-CC2, there is enough Salazarium in the weapon to allow users to mentally control the metal's anti-gravity properties and fly (at any speed at which they can breathe and resist friction).


 * The members of The Alliance wear jackets that are lined with a thin Salazarium micromesh. The jackets allow their wearers to fly at any speed at which they can breathe, act as body armor (edged weapons and bullets will not penetrate), and provides limited resistance to mystical attacks. Also, Carolyn Field's electrical powers are boosted when wearing her jacket (from Class Three levels to Class Four).


 * The members of the Legion of Lawndale Heroes wear flight rings made of Salazarium. These were created by Sherrie Klein, whose metahuman abilities allow her the ability to synthesize the metal.