Orichalcum

Orichalchum (オリハルコン^?) is an artifact in the Neon Genesis Evangelion: ANIMA novel series.

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Kensuke's examination of it reveals Orichalcum to be a gold-colored compound made of lead and possibly the basis for the legend of alchemically converting lead into gold. It is later shown to not only shield people from the Ark's ability to turn people who approach it into salt but later after it is spun into an ultra-fine mesh it is used to fashion a special Orichalcum Weave Plugsuit which prevents people from achieving a dangerously high synch ratio above 100% that would risk absorption by an Evangelion.

History

Neon Genesis Evangelion: ANIMA

It initially appears alongside Kensuke's near the Ark in the Valley of Human Bodies. Due to having carried a chunk of it in his pocket he is partially protected from the effects of the Ark only losing an arm instead of fully turning into a pillar of salt. He then gives the Orichalcum to Misato Katsuragi before leaving to continue investigating SEELE. Later, it is used to fashion a plugsuit that allows Asuka to reform her human body again after she was absorbed by Evangelion Unit-02 Type II Allegorica and turned into the Crimson A1.

Trivia

• Orichalcum is a mysterious metal mentioned by the philosopher Plato as being used by Ancient Atlantis to make their most precious statues and tile the roofs of Royal palaces.
• In the Japanese novel version, it is used the Greek name ὀρείχαλκος (oreikhalkos).