The Spice

The spice, Melange, is the most precious substance in the Universe. It is found only in the deserts of Arrakis. Production of spice begins with the Little Makers, the half-plant-half-animal larvae of the sandworm. Far under the surface of the desert, Little Makers excrete substances that form a mixture known as a pre-spice mass. When water flows into this mass, gases are released and great pressure build. This pressure is released in an explosive "blow." During a "blow," the material underground is exchanged for the sand on the surface. When this material dries, it is called spice, or Melange.

The Water of Life, a lethal poison, is the excretion of a drowned sandworm. Its properties are similar to those of the spice, except magnified to such an extent that all who take it die. Only those who possess deep training and rare genetic markers have a chance at surviving the Spice Essence.

Properties of the spice include the ability to extend life and elevate consciousness. The Spacing Guild uses it to give their navigators the ability to see into the future and plot safe courses. The Bene Gesserit use the Water of Life to open the door to their past lives. For centuries, the Bene Gesserit bred for a man who could use the Water of Life to traverse space and time. Most people use the spice to extend their life.