Drith

Drith is a fictional mineral appearing in science fiction and fantasy settings. Described as a phosphorescent silicate with speculative energy-storage properties, it features prominently in world-building lore and in-game economies. Because Drith is not a real mineral, descriptions vary by universe, but certain conventions recur.

Crystals are typically hexagonal prismatic, transparent to translucent, with a pale blue to green color. They have a vitreous luster, Mohs hardness around 6 to 7, and a refractive index near 1.65–1.75. Drith crystals exhibit strong photoluminescence, glowing under ultraviolet light with a blue-green emission.

Geologically, Drith is said to form in high-temperature hydrothermal systems within ultramafic to mafic rocks, often in association with quartz, magnetite, and olivine. In many settings, it crystallizes in compact seams within vein networks and can occur in sizable crystals in favorable pockets.

Mining is described as open-pit or subterranean extraction. Processing involves heat treatment, controlled reduction, and purification to produce a concentrate suitable for device fabrication or research applications. Handling requires attention to light exposure and thermal stability to prevent premature luminescence decay.

In-world applications include compact energy storage cells, photon-based data channels, and phosphorescent lighting. It is depicted as a valuable strategic resource, with trade regulated by interstellar or inter-regional commodity agreements. Safety concerns in narratives include toxicity of processing byproducts and environmental impact.