Quantainium

Quantainium is a deep red-orange mineral that occurs in igneous rock formations. A key ingredient in [quantum fuel](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RX3DOkJdxJ-quantum-drive), quantainium becomes unstable when it is extracted, and is prone to breakage and degradation. Over time, it becomes more and more likely to combust, which sometimes results in explosions. Mining companies that extract quantainium must operate under strict safety regulations. Some independent miners have become injured or have died due to quantainium-related accidents.