Iron Monoxide

Overview

Iron Monoxide (FeO) is a transition-metal oxide formed under low oxygen conditions. Though rarely stable on Earth-like worlds, it occurs naturally in meteoritic crusts and volcanic vents. In the Continuum, its presence in an atmosphere is a harbinger of metallic storms and forge-world climates.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Iron monoxide consists of divalent iron (Fe²⁺) bound to oxygen, forming a basic oxide. It oxidizes further to Fe₂O₃ or Fe₃O₄ upon exposure to air. In plasma environments such as Ignispheric Atmosphere worlds, vaporized FeO emits green light and conducts psionic current—forming “iron rain.”

Phases

• **Solid:** Mineral wüstite, dark and magnetic.
• **Vapor:** Found as metallic fume in plasma vents or stellar forges.
• **Condensate:** Magnetic dust settling after divine smelting storms.

Uses and Occurrences

• Indicator of reducing atmospheres and molten metal cycles.
• Ingredient in divine forges, symbolizing balance between order (metal) and decay (oxide).
• Observed in the atmospheres of volcanic Permian-Like Atmosphere and Ignispheric Atmosphere worlds.

Related Atmospheres

• Ignispheric Atmosphere
• Permian-Like Atmosphere

Trivia

• The term “iron rain” originates from divine chronicles describing molten droplets condensing in the upper forges of Ignispheric Atmosphere planets.
• FeO crystals retain weak psionic magnetism, used in constructing memory compasses.