Dukvaline

Dukvaline is a fictional mineral described in science fiction literature and game lore. It is a rare silicate-oxide mineral notable for its prismatic crystals and iridescent halo.

Etymology: The name Dukvaline blends a fictional Dukva region with the suffix -line, a convention used in several mineral catalogs within the Dukva Rift narratives.

Geology and occurrence: In most stories, dukvaline forms in hydrothermal systems within basaltic crusts, particularly in the Dukva Rift. Crystals range from small to medium, have a vitreous to adamantine luster, and vary in color from emerald to deep sapphire. The mineral is typically described as luminescent under ultraviolet light and often found in association with other fictional minerals in rich mineral deposits.

Physical properties: In fictional catalogs, dukvaline is described as having a Mohs hardness of 6–7, a refractive index around 1.75–1.85, and a birefringence of 0.010–0.020. It is considered relatively rare and is often noted for imperfect cleavage that yields sharp fragments.

Synthesis and occurrence in fiction: Some sources claim dukvaline can be synthesized through high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal processes or via magmatic differentiation in the Dukva Rift, though these accounts vary by author and work.

Uses and significance: In stories, dukvaline is valued for its optical properties in jewelry and its speculative functional properties in advanced technologies such as photonic circuits or energy storage. It sometimes features in treasure narratives or serves as a plot device or MacGuffin.

See also: List of fictional minerals; Glossary of science fiction minerals.