Crystal
Crystal is a rare mineral used for electronic components, advanced alloys, and high-tech manufacturing.
Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Source | Crystal Mine |
| Storage | Crystal Storage |
| Color | Blue |
| Abundance | Medium |
Production
Crystal is produced by the Crystal Mine. Production is slower than metal but crystal is used in smaller quantities.
Base Production
Planets have minimal base crystal production:
- Base: 200 crystal per hour (at universe speed 1x, before position bonus)
Mine Production Formula
Production = 200 * Level * 1.1^Level * Temperature Modifier * Position Bonus * Universe Speed * Production Factor
Production Factor drops when your energy is negative.
See Crystal Mine for detailed production tables and modifiers.
Energy Consumption
Crystal Mines consume energy:
Energy = 10 * Level * 1.1^Level
Same consumption as Metal Mines at equivalent levels.
Uses
Crystal is essential for advanced components:
Electronics
- Computer systems
- Sensor arrays
- Communication equipment
Ships
- Control systems
- Weapon targeting
- Shield generators
- All ships require crystal
Research
- Most technologies need crystal
- Often the primary research cost
Defense
- Targeting systems
- Energy weapons
- Shield components
Planet Position Bonus
Planet position affects crystal production. See Crystal Mine for the exact position and temperature bonuses.
Strategy
Early Game
- Build Crystal Mine after Metal Mine
- Keep ratio of roughly 2:1 (Metal:Crystal levels)
- Essential for Research Lab
Mid Game
- Crystal often becomes the bottleneck
- Consider outer planets for crystal colonies
- Balance with shipyard needs
Late Game
- Most expensive ships need lots of crystal
- Deathstar: 8,000,000 crystal
- Strategic importance increases
Crystal vs Metal
| Aspect | Metal | Crystal |
|---|---|---|
| Production Rate | Faster | Slower |
| Usage Volume | Higher | Lower |
| Tech Importance | Lower | Higher |
| Ship Electronics | Less | More |
| Typical Ratio | 2 | 1 |