The concept of superionic water—water that becomes black and viscous under extreme heat and pressure—was only discovered relatively recently by scientists. This state of water, also called ice XVIII, is formed when water is subjected to extraordinarily high temperatures and pressures. In this phase, oxygen ions crystallize into a lattice, while hydrogen ions move freely within this structure, making the water highly conductive, almost like a metal. Additionally, superionic water is black in color and more viscous compared to the normal water we encounter under standard conditions.
Quranic Reference: Water Like TarIn Surah Al-Kahf (18:29), the Quran refers to a specific type of water in Hell:
And say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “˹This is˺ the truth from your Lord. Whoever wills let them believe, and whoever wills let them disbelieve.” Surely We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire whose walls will ˹completely˺ surround them. When they cry for aid, they will be aided with water like molten metal, which will burn ˹their˺ faces. What a horrible drink! And what a terrible place to rest!18:29
The Arabic word "Muhl" (مُهْلِ) is used here, which is translated as "tar"—a viscous, black substance. This description of water in Hell being like tar seems to parallel the modern discovery of superionic water.
Scientific Explanation of Superionic WaterSuperionic water forms under conditions of extreme heat and pressure, as scientists discovered in recent decades. In laboratory settings, researchers have been able to create superionic ice that is black in color and has a higher viscosity than regular water. This discovery was confirmed in 2019 through experimental methods involving laser-heating and high-pressure techniques that mimic conditions found deep inside planets like Uranus and Neptune.
