A carbonite block is a heavy rectangular plate approximately two metres tall by one metre wide by forty centimetres deep composed of a solid matrix of carbonite in which a volume of tibannagas molecules is suspended. The solid carbonite matrix resembles a plate of solid iron or bronze in which the volatile tibannagas molecules are encased. Carbonite blocks solely intended for the transport of tibannagas are simple slabs with no advanced independent defrosting controls. These slabs are simply unfrozen and the gas molecules extracted at tibannagas processing facilities, depending fully on the permanent equipment at these facilities.

By contrast, carbonite blocks intended for the transport or detainment of living beings are far more complex. Each block will have an array of sensors built into its frame, as well as displays to enable the vital functions of the hibernating prisoner to be monitored at need. Once a prisoner is entombed in carbonite, they will be placed in a state of suspended animation, although there remains a chance that they will not survive the freezing process. Should they survive, and their vital functions dip below preset limits, the sensors built into the carbonite block will produce an auditory and visual alarm, which will provide enough time for the prisoner to be thawed out and given medical attention before they suffer permanent damage. As carbonite blocks are not very deep, a prisoner’s facial features and the front of their torso, as well as their toes frequently emerge from the block, forming a ghastly tableau. The prisoner can be freed from the block using the controls built into the side of the frame, but will likely suffer from hibernation sickness for some time.