Black, obsidian-like. I was actually hoping you could come up with a map according to the specs I sent you. There's some aspects of Nikulite which I could best explain with a good picture.
Basically, it exists in three forms:
- Liquid (which basically makes up the seas of Hades, as well as a fair proportion of the thin atmosphere)
- Gravel (the deserts)
- Crystal (the most valuable form)
I tried to come up with some kind of effect to show how the planet was scoured by the solar activity, so I basically came up with this form:
1. During solar activity the particle storms scour the planet, vaporising liquid Nikulite into the atmosphere and creating the chemical reactions that form the substance in the first place.
2. During this solar phase the planet is pretty much like Crematoria in the Chronicles of Riddick: one side cold and desolate, the sunny side a burning hell.
3. When the solar activity lessens, the atmosphere stabilises itself with massive rainfall of liquid Nikulite, thus forming the seas. The geography is in constant flux due to these periods of solar activity that shape the very features of the planet. During the sun's restful phase, it is 'only' a lifeless, glassed planet.
One prominent image I intend to use in the campaign is a mining vessel that didn't get away, and is now encased in Nikulite crystals - you know, to show how fast the substance can form during the solar phase.
Hope that helped.