Limaru

Limaru is a fictional mineral widely used in science fiction and fantasy world-building. It is described as a silicate-oxide mineral with trace elements of vanadium and neodymium that give it a characteristic blue to indigo color. The name Limaru is derived from the fictional Limari region, where early explorers first cataloged the mineral.

In the lore, Limaru crystallizes in a hexagonal system, forms prismatic crystals up to several centimeters, and has a Mohs hardness around 7, a density near 3.4 g/cm3, and exhibits strong luminescence under ultraviolet light. It is typically found in hydrothermal veins within basalt and high-temperature granitic intrusions, often alongside nepheline and amphibole. The mineral is described as stable under moderate temperatures and pressures, though large crystals are considered brittle and prone to cleavage along certain planes.

Shards of Limaru are valued for energy storage and as high-grade optical components in fictional technologies, and are also used in jewelry for their glow. Extraction involves selective quarrying followed by crystallization to remove trace impurities. Its brittleness, especially in large crystals, requires careful handling and specialized processing to preserve crystal integrity.

In published works, Limaru appears as a plot element tied to scarce mineral wealth, with disputes over deposits and trade routes shaping political narratives and economic systems within the story world. Its fictional status allows creators to explore themes of resource control, technological dependence, and regional geopolitics.