I feel that there are still limited access for using material based ideas and concept to create. I request to put more material set for more creative freedom.
3d material, a sphere covered in alien biomechanical, isolated on black
Just change the material "alien biomechanical" for whatever texture/material you want. The black can be changed also to whatever you want. Then use this as a style reference in the left panel. To control intensity move the slider all the way right for full effect or back off. I think this is what you are referring to. I think you can also combine materials together in your prompt.
Most people don't realize they have a built in texture/material creator in Firefly to use when placed in their Style reference.