If you read much, I think you might enjoy Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle.
In real life, Vonnegut's brother was a scientist involved in the creation of materials to seed clouds to cause rain. This inspired him to write about about a scientist who created a form of ice - ice 9 - that froze at 95F. Toss a crystal into a tropical swamp. It would freeze solid, and tanks could cross without getting stuck! Great idea except if... well you have to read the book.
