Cosmonium is a precious substance which could be found in Preplanis' crust.
The miner Nerim blasted deep into the planet's core in search of it; acquiring several vials but at the same time causing catastrophic damage to the crust.
Evidently as a liquid, Cosmonium has the power to bring objects to life- a vial accidentally smashed on Dr Smith's stone sculpture abruptly causing it to animate.
It is unknown whether the substance could be found on other planets besides Preplanis.