Tarbitav

Tarbitav is a fictional mineral species created for descriptive purposes in this article. It is described as a rare aluminosilicate with an iridescent green to blue-green appearance and notable photonic properties.

Discovery and naming: The mineral is said to have been first described in 1987 by geologist Elena Vorsky in the fictional Tarbit Valley. The name Tarbitav derives from the locality and its characteristic shimmering surface, with Tarbitav sometimes appearing in teaching materials as a representative example of mineral diversity.

Physical and optical properties: Tarbitav crystallizes in the tetragonal system and forms tabular to prismatic crystals. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.0–6.5, a specific gravity around 3.2, and a refractive index near 1.62–1.66 with weak birefringence. The luster is vitreous, and the color range is typically emerald-green to blue-green, often exhibiting an iridescent sheen under reflected light.

Occurrence and genesis: In the fictional setting, Tarbitav forms in hydrothermal veins within ultramafic rocks, typically at elevations of 1,200–2,000 meters. It is commonly associated with minerals such as chlorite, serpentine, and magnetite, reflecting a mineralogical assemblage typical of metamorphosed geological environments.

Uses and production: Tarbitav is described as being sought as a gemstone for its color play and as a subject of study for potential pigment and photonic applications due to its birefringent properties. Synthetic production is said to be achievable through hydrothermal growth or flux-growth methods in laboratory settings, primarily for educational and decorative purposes.

Etymology and cultural notes: The term Tarbitav commemorates Tarbit Valley in the narrative origin. In teaching contexts, it is used alongside other illustrative minerals to explain crystallography, spectroscopy, and mineral aesthetics.