Mortaarin

Mortaarin is a fictional mineral described in speculative fiction, tabletop role‑playing games, and related media. It is valued for high energy density, luminescence, and distinctive magnetic behavior.

Etymology: The name is drawn from a fictional Arkan language, where morta denotes darkness and arin denotes gem, reflecting its dark, radiant appearance.

Physical properties: Mortaarin occurs as prismatic crystals or granular grains with iridescent surfaces. It is reported to have a Mohs hardness near 8.0–8.5, a refractive index around 1.75, and blue-green photoluminescence under low light. Its electrical conductivity varies with temperature, and it can display weak magnetic responses in certain conditions.

Occurrence and geology: In its fictional setting, mortaarin forms in deep crustal veins within basaltic lithologies near tectonic boundaries. Formation requires rapid cooling of volatile-rich fluids mixed with meteoric dust, yielding refined crystals. Prominent districts include the Wyrmback Belt and the Lumin Fields.

Processing and handling: Extraction demands stable underground operations and vibration control. Purification uses vacuum sublimation and zone refining to remove sulfides and silicates. Radioluminescent coatings may be applied for signaling or aesthetic purposes.

Applications: Mortaarin is depicted as a core material for high-density energy storage, powering magitech devices and compact reactors in spacecraft or urban grids. It also appears in decorative items and ritual artifacts due to its glow and perceived metaphysical properties.

Cultural and economic significance: In fiction, mortaarin trades at a premium and is regulated by speculative guilds and authorities. Environmental and safety considerations feature in lore, especially regarding heating, fragmentation, or exposure to intense radiation-like effects.