Atium

Licensed IP · Legendary · Timeless

In the Mistborn universe, atium is a god metal derived from the Shard of Ruin. When burned by an Allomancer, it allows the user to see a few seconds into the future, specifically the shadow of what an opponent will do next. It was the most prized and expensive metal in the Final Empire.

Identity

Source
Mistborn series, by Brandon Sanderson
Aliases
God Metal of Ruin, Pits metal

Physical Properties

Appearance
Dark brown-black crystalline beads, irregular in shape, slightly warm to the touch
Luster
Dull
Density
8 g/cm³
Melting point
900 °C
Boiling point
1700 °C
Lighter
Stainless Steel
Denser
Korvaire Steel
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Electrical conductivity
Low

Mechanical Properties

Mohs hardness
5
Tensile strength
400 MPa
Softer
Palladium
Harder
Inconel
Workability
Moderate
Brittleness
Moderate
Malleability
Low
Ductility
Low

Chemical Properties

Corrosion resistance
high
Reactivity
low

Lore & Narrative

The Lord Ruler hoarded atium, using scarcity to maintain economic and political control over the nobility. What almost no one knew was that atium was not merely a metal. It was literally a piece of a god, and its true purpose in the cosmology was something far more profound than combat advantage.

Notable uses
Allomantic combat enhancement, economic control, divine ritual
Forge uses
allomantic use, economic currency
Worldbuilding traits
god-metal, future-sight, mistborn, cosmere

Browse the Metal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox