Artriite

Artriite is a fictional mineral frequently cited in speculative geology, mineralogy education, and world-building scenarios. It is not known to occur naturally in the real world and is not recognized by major mineralogical catalogs.

Crystal structure and composition: In the standard fictional description, artriite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and forms tabular to prismatic crystals. Its color ranges from olive-green to emerald, due to trace chromium and vanadium. In typical laboratory-made samples, artriite shows a vitreous to resinous luster and a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.0. Density is about 3.1 to 3.3 g/cm3. It exhibits distinct cleavage in one direction and dull to silky fracture in others. Optical properties in simulated specimens include refractive indices around 1.70–1.72 and weak pleochroism.

Origin and occurrence: In fictional geology, artriite is described as forming through metasomatic and high-temperature low-pressure processes in ultramafic to granulite-grade rocks, often in convergent-margin settings. Disseminated grains may persist in metamorphic belts and pseudo-karstic environments; no real field localities exist outside of creative works.

Discovery and naming: The mineral is named after the fictional region of Artria in many stories, with first descriptions attributed to fictional researchers in the late 20th century. It has no peer-reviewed characterization in real mineralogy literature.

Uses and significance: In fiction and teaching, artriite serves as a case study for silicate mineral structure, metamorphic processes, and how minerals are described. It is sometimes used to illustrate the distinction between real minerals and hypothetical examples.