Fontits

Fontits are a rare mineral resource described as a silicate-fluoride compound with luminescent properties and a high refractive index. They occur in the Fonti Basin in the western foothills of the fictional Fontian Range and have become notable for optics and electronics.

The discovery is attributed to geologist Elena Fonti who first mapped the deposits in 1989. The name Fontits is derived from the Fonti Basin, with the mineral given the plural designation fontite/fontits in commerce and literature.

Fontits have Mohs hardness about 6; octahedral crystals; color ranges from pale blue to green; exhibits persistent blue luminescence under ultraviolet light; chemical composition roughly fluorosilicate with trace rare-earth elements; density around 3.6 g/cm3.

Occurrence and extraction: Formed in high-temperature hydrothermal veins associated with metamorphosed carbonate rocks; primary deposits are in shallow-buried pockets. Mining is conducted by selective open-pit methods; ore grade varies; processing yields crystals for optical-grade material.

Applications and use: Valued for its high refractive index and low dispersion, making it suitable for precision optics, laser components, and photonic devices. Also explored as a dopant or host lattice in solid-state lighting, with research into energy storage applications.

Economic and regulatory status: Fontits mining is small-scale with a handful of producing operations; regulated export quotas by Fontia's mining authority; environmental safeguards and tailings management are standard practice.

See also Fontia and Fonti Basin, fictional contexts where fontits are described.