Phazon

Phazon is the primary cause of the loss of many civilizations in space and mutations in nearly every creature it comes in contact with. In Metroid Prime, Samus Aran discovers that the Chozo civilization on Tallon IV were destroyed when a Phazon meteor hit the planet and started corrupting the planet. In Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Samus discovers that the Phazon split the planet Aether into light and dark dimensions, this nearly destroyed the Luminoth civilization. In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Samus finally discovers the source of Phazon, a living planet known as Phaaze, and eliminates it once and for all. The Space Pirates have also been trying to use the Phazon as a source of power. They have been testing it as a way to mutate monsters and or use it as a weapon.