Fictional History and Properties of Adamantium
In the Marvel Universe, adamantium is a group of man-made metal alloys that possess varying durability, but are all nearly indestructible. Adamantium was (inadvertently) invented by the American metallurgist Dr. Myron MacLain in an attempt to recreate his prior discovery, a unique alloy of steel and vibranium (which required an unknown catalyst for its manufacture), that was used to create Captain America's shield.
Prior to molding it, the components of the alloy are kept in separate batches, typically in blocks of resin; Adamantium is prepared by melting the blocks together, mixing the components while the resin evaporates. The alloy must then be cast within an eight-minute time period. Adamantium's extremely stable molecular structure prevents it from being further molded after its eight-minute initial time period, even if the temperature is high enough to keep it in its liquified form. In its solid form, it is colorless, shiny, and resembles high-grade steel or titanium. It is almost impossible to destroy or fracture in this state and when crafted to a razor edge it can penetrate most lesser materials with minimal application of strength. It is partially magnetic, as Magneto has manipulated it on multiple occasions.
Despite its utility in the creation of armament and/or armature, adamantium is rarely used due to extreme cost and inability to be reshaped.
Wolverine once discovered an adamantium-laced skull in Apocalypse's laboratory and commented how it seemed to have been there for eons.
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