Scarlight

Scarlight is a fictional crystalline mineral that appears in fantasy literature, tabletop role-playing games, and related media. Named for its intense scarlet color, it is often depicted as emitting a faint inner glow in shadowed conditions.

Physical properties commonly described in-world include prismatic to granular crystal habit, a vitreous to resinous luster, and a color range from bright cherry red to deep crimson. Scarlight is usually portrayed as translucent, though inclusions can render some specimens opaque. Its hardness is often likened to quartz, making it durable enough for jewelry and small sculptural works. Under ultraviolet light, scarlight may fluoresce a vivid ruby-red, reinforcing its magical associations.

Occurrence and geology within fictional settings place scarlight in high-temperature hydrothermal veins and magmatic pockets, typically within basaltic or andesitic host rocks. It is frequently linked to regions rich in copper sulfides and iron minerals, and is said to form or concentrate during volcanic activity. In contrast to common gemstones, scarlight is described as relatively rare, often requiring specialized mining approaches and careful preservation of its glow.

Uses and cultural significance center on aesthetics and magic. Jewelry crafted from scarlight is prized for color permanence and luminous appearance. Some artifacts are believed to focus or stabilize light-based magic or to serve as ritual keys. The mineral’s scarcity and evocative glow contribute to its high value and symbolic status in various in-world cultures.

Etymology derives from its scarlet hue and its association with light, a combination that reinforces its place in folklore and fantasy economies.