Mateixes

Mateixes are a fictional class of luminescent minerals popular in world-building and fantasy literature. They are described as color-changing crystals that glow from within, especially in dim light, and feature prominently in decorative arts and lore across imagined cultures.

Physical traits include prismatic crystals with a high luster and strong pleochroism, showing hues from violet to teal as the viewing angle changes. The chemistry is typically left unspecified in most stories, with color behavior attributed to internal layering or diffusion rather than a fixed formula.

Formation and distribution: In the fictional geology, mateixes form in deep crustal pockets via hydrothermal processes and rapid crystallization of mineral-rich fluids near tectonic boundaries. They are usually depicted in basaltic or garnet-bearing rocks within mountain belts or coastal ranges of the imagined world.

Uses and cultural significance: Mateixes are valued for jewelry, ceremonial objects, and speculative technologies or magical systems in fiction. Specific hues are sometimes linked to moods or fortunes, while the mineral can symbolize resilience or balance. Mining and trade are often portrayed as carefully regulated to protect ecosystems.

Notes: This article describes a fictional mineral created for world-building purposes and does not refer to any real-world substance. Variations may appear in different settings, but the core concept remains a color-changing, luminescent crystal valued for beauty and lore.