The following is possible with nanite chunks, programmed/controlled by a nanite controller. One chunk of nanites weighs one kilogram. When inert, a chunk appears as a pearly white flattened cylinder with rounded edges, refracting an array of colors in bright light, 2 cm in diameter and 6 cm long (at that size, people would guess that it’s made of metal due to the density).
Each nanite can mimic other atoms and molecules, though the mass of one nanite may be orders of magnitude larger compared to single atoms. This mimicry is typically done with each nanite standing in for a region of crystalline or cell structure, in the case of solids, some odd fluid dynamics in the case of liquids, and larger-than-normal particulates in the case of gases. In some pure cases, this may be detectible on the macro-scale, such as nanite diamonds that have optical properties slightly different from that of true diamonds. Nanites are much tougher than diamonds and are capable of storing kinetic energy, so any solid composed of nanites mimicking another substance may be tougher than the real thing.
Can rearrange molecules at a rate of nanite mass/minute. Commonly used to strengthen/repair or weaken/degrade existing materials, or to build basic items out of existing materials (longer timescales for more exotic tech).
Can rearrange atoms (build/dismantle molecules) at a rate of nanite mass/10 minutes. Typically used to recycle matter into a usable form for building and repairing, or for large quantities of fuel or material for other projects.
Non-general (specific) nanites can work at x10 to x100 this rate. For example, Nametic clothing consists of materials integrated into nanites that quickly change forms, such as from casual wear to a vacuum suit, from pre-programmed selections.
Can travel through the air or vacuum at a rate of 1 m/sec, susceptible to wind unless close to a rough surface.
Visible at densities of 1 chunk per cubic meter or greater in air (beginning as a light haze). Appears as a multicolored haze.
Nanites are susceptible to extreme heat/radiation and powerful electric or magnetic fields. With the proper materials, a general-purpose controller and chunk would take one hour to build a new chunk. Abundance scale is from very rare (1) to abundant (7), for earth-like planets. The following raw materials are needed to create one nanite chunk:
50g radium (1)
50g uranium (4)
50g selenium (2)
100g gold (1)
100g bromine (4)
100g beryllium (5)
250g silicon (7)
300g carbon (6)