Magma

Magma is the high-temperature liquid element found in deep layers and the Magma Biome. It functions as both a concentrated heat source and a mechanic resource: when cooled below its solidification temperature it becomes Igneous Rock, and while molten it can drive power generation and chemical conversions that are otherwise difficult or impossible elsewhere.

Magma pairs reliably with Steam Turbine setups: by feeding magma heat into a water loop or a boiler arrangement, players can produce Steam and run Steam Turbines for sustained power so long as a water supply and proper heat exchange are maintained. Magma also participates directly in geothermal refining processes: exposing Crude Oil to magma conditions converts it into Petroleum and Sour Gas; this interaction is the basis of geothermal oil refining.

Magma has a high specific heat capacity relative to many raw minerals. Melting materials such as Crushed Rock, Obsidian, Sedimentary Rock, Mafic Rock, and Regolith into magma increases the heat contained by a factor of five compared to those solids, because magma’s specific heat is five times higher than those materials. This makes deliberate melting a useful method to concentrate and transport thermal energy for Steam Turbine power loops. Note that molten magma produced from melting softer raw minerals will initially be at the melting temperature of the source mineral; in practice this can cause the magma to cool quickly and solidify into Igneous Rock unless additional heat is supplied.

Magma is extremely hot and will melt or destroy most common building materials on contact. Structures and devices that are likely to contact magma should be constructed from heat-resistant materials. Useful choices include Insulated Tile made from Obsidian, Ceramic, or Insulation; Mechanized Airlock, Metal Tile, and Conductive Wire built from Steel, Tungsten, or Thermium; and Tempshift Plate and Window Tile made from Diamond.

Operational and tactical notes:

• Magma puddles are very viscous; a fully spread magma pool will often remain too deep to mop with standard tools. Plan for dedicated heat-handling infrastructure rather than cleanup.
• Liquid Pumps can move magma if positioned and used carefully; players commonly exploit pump range to extract and redirect magma without exposing equipment to direct contact.
• When designing magma-to-steam systems, manage temperature gradients and material choices to prevent unintended solidification into Igneous Rock or damage to conduits and machines.
• Use the conversion of Crude Oil into Petroleum and Sour Gas for integrated resource pipelines in geothermal zones; control flow and cooling to avoid premature solidification.

Magma is a powerful but dangerous resource: it enables compact, high-output power and unique refining paths when handled with appropriate heat-tolerant construction and careful engineering.