SOxheitega

SOxheitega is a fictional sulfide-oxide mineral described in speculative geology and world-building narratives. It is characterized by iridescent surface tarnish and a layered crystal morphology, and it is used in examples of ore genesis and mineralogical classification in fictional settings.

SOxheitega was first described by researchers from the International Consortium of Mineralogical Studies in 2142, in reports about hydrothermal activity along the Soixheita belt in the western Valedor mountains. The name combines the chemical hint SO for sulfur-oxide and the toponym heitega derived from the local language.

In hand specimen, SOxheitega appears as dark steel-gray prismatic crystals with a rainbow iridescence on fresh surfaces. Mohs hardness is 5.5–6. Specific gravity ranges from 4.8 to 5.2. The mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic system and shows metallic to submetallic luster. Cleavage is good on {010}; habit is prismatic to tabular.

SOxheitega forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins within altered volcanic rocks, precipitating from sulfur-rich fluids at 250–350°C. It commonly occurs with pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite and may display zoned crystallization reflecting changing chemistry during mineral growth.

Known deposits are limited to the Soixha Belt and the Solis Depression in the fictional world, with only small-scale production and no current importance as an ore resource.

Research interest centers on its potential semiconducting properties arising from its layered structure, as well as its use in museum specimens and education as a case study in mineral classification.

Related minerals include pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite.