Halþaz

Halþaz is a rare crystalline substance described in the science-fantasy setting of Haloria. It appears as a translucent mineral with a pale azure sheen and a columnar habit in basaltic rock. In both technological and arcane contexts, halþaz is valued for its unusual ability to mediate energy transfer between electrical and thermal domains, enabling compact energy storage and controlled release in runic engines.

The name halþaz combines an Old Norse-inspired thorn letter with a suffix used in Halvaric mineral terms, reflecting its status as a dual-natured material. The word is attested in scholarly glossaries and in sagas that reference mined specimens. The orthography preserving the thorn is common in historical texts within the setting.

Halþaz forms in high-temperature, low-oxygen pockets within actively crystallizing basaltic dikes. Deposits are rare and typically occur in districts with recent volcanic activity, often as veinlets or small nodules accompanying other silicate minerals. Its occurrence is uneven, making large deposits uncommon.

Crystals are colorless to pale blue, with a vitreous luster. Halþaz is brittle and has a conchoidal fracture. Under polarized light, it exhibits a distinctive dual-phase microstructure, one phase providing conductive pathways and the other acting as a barrier to rapid diffusion. It remains chemically stable in dry conditions but hydrates slowly in moisture, reducing energy-transfer efficiency over time.

In the setting, halþaz is used in advanced runic reactors and energy-storage devices, where its dual-phase structure supports rapid charging and controlled discharge. Extraction is difficult and regulated; high-purity halþaz commands significant premium and is subject to export controls. The substance features in mining folklore and technical treatises, with ongoing research into stable synthesis and safe handling.