Tammityn

Tammityn is a rare metallic mineral described in speculative geology as the refined form of a native metal. It is noted for its metallic luster, high density, and a faint blue-green luminescence visible in low light.

Discovery and naming: It was first described in 1969 by field geologist Lora Kest during surveys of the Tammor Basin. The name derives from the Tammor word tammi, meaning twilight, with the mineral-name suffix -yn.

Geology and occurrence: Tammityn occurs as nodules in ultramafic pegmatites and metasomatic lenses. Primary deposits are reported in the Tammor Highlands, where ore grades are low and mining is difficult due to remoteness and terrain.

Properties: It is dense and ductile, with a Mohs hardness around 5.5. It melts at high temperatures and forms a stable oxide layer in air. It co-occurs with chromite and garnet and is moderately reactive with acids. It exhibits high electrical conductivity for a metal in its class.

Processing and production: Ore is processed by pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy to produce high-purity tammityn metal. Ore grades typically range from 0.1 to 0.5 percent, with beneficiation steps to concentrate the mineral.

Applications: In the fictional setting, tammityn is used in high-temperature turbine alloys, radiation-detection devices, and luminescent glass dopants.

Safety and environment: Data are limited. Handling requires standard metallurgical precautions; dust may irritate the respiratory tract. Mining can have environmental impacts in sensitive regions.

See also: List of fictional minerals; speculative geology; in-universe metallurgy.