Hreinum

Hreinum is a fictional mineral first described in 1874 by geologist Edric Moller in the Hreini Massif, a fictional mountain range located in the northern continent of Eldara. The name derives from the local term hreina meaning "glow" in the Hreini language.

Properties: Hreinum is a dense, metallic mineral with a grey-silver color and a distinctive blue iridescence when cut. It has a Mohs hardness of 8.5, a high melting point, and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Its crystal structure is hexagonal, typically forming prismatic crystals up to several centimeters. It is non-magnetic and relatively rare in Earth's crust within the fictional setting.

Occurrence and geology: Hreinum forms in high-grade metamorphic rocks and hydrothermal veins associated with ultramafic intrusions. It is most commonly found in pegmatites within the Hreini Range and is often accompanied by quartz, spodumene, and wolframite. Economic deposits are localized and require careful extraction to minimize environmental impact.

Applications: In the fictional economy, hreinum is valued for its combination of hardness, ductility, and conductivity. It is used in specialized cutting tools, high-temperature alloys, and as a core material in energy storage devices. Its luminescent properties allow use in decorative and signaling applications.

Research and conservation: Because hreinum is rare, there is ongoing research into synthetic production and recycling. Environmental considerations focus on preserving vulnerable pegmatite ecosystems and mitigating ore-processing waste.