Karzqarz

Karzqarz is a fictional mineral described in encyclopedic works of a fantasy setting. It is a color-shifting gemstone found in the Karz Range on the continent of Eryndor, prized for its iridescent sheen and faint glow in moonlight. The stone's distinctive optical effects arise from a complex, poorly understood internal structure and trace impurities that interact with light.

The name karzqarz derives from the Shadari language, often translated as "shadow stone." In traditional lore, the term denotes a stone that holds the last light of day until night.

Karzqarz forms in hydrothermal veins within basalt in highland belts. It exhibits strong color-changing properties, shifting from blue to violet to emerald depending on viewing angle and light source. The mineral is typically facet-cut to maximize its play of color, and specimens are valued for their near-glow under moonlight.

Modern mining began with small artisanal workings and later expanded under regulated concessions. Large-scale operations are controlled by a regional consortium, with environmental impact assessments and community development requirements.

In the imagined culture surrounding Karzqarz, the stone is linked to dusk, memory, and resilience. It is commonly used in ceremonial jewelry and as a symbol of endurance, with certain tribes claiming it preserves ancestral stories within its facets.

Karzqarz remains rare and highly sought after, commanding high prices in speculative markets within the setting. Authentic stones are tracked through provenance records; laboratory-grown imitations exist but are controversial among collectors and are typically distinguished by gemological testing.