 SCP-578 is a colorless, odorless liquid. SCP-578's anomalous properties manifest when it is brought into contact with human blood. First, SCP-578 spreads throughout the blood. The enzyme in SCP-578 then causes a clotting cascade in the blood, followed by crystallization of the blood. This crystallized blood is designated an instance of SCP-578-1. Approximately 1.7 milliliters of SCP-578 is required to fully convert a liter of blood. SCP-578-1's chemical structure is reminiscent of opals, consisting of hydrated silica.