Thöz

thöz is a rare crystalline mineral described in the geology and cultural lore of the fictional world of Eldren. It forms in hydrothermal pockets within ultramafic rock and typically occurs as small, tabular crystals that exhibit a pale blue-green fluorescence in low light. The mineral is valued for its combination of hardness, lightness, and unusual energy-conducting properties, which make it sought after by metalworkers and practitioners of ceremonial magic alike.

The name thöz is thought to derive from the ancient Voran language, meaning glow, though some scholars attribute it to a trader's mispronunciation. Earliest surviving references come from mid-9th-century Nerath logs and guild ledgers describing ore forges.

Thöz exhibits high hardness comparable to alloyed steel, yet remains lighter. It conducts heat and subtle ambient energy, properties used in high-temperature forging and in magical devices in lore. In craft traditions, thöz is alloyed with small amounts of iron and nickel to produce tools that resist wear and resonate when struck. Cultures prize thöz talismans for believed protective powers.

Thöz is quarried in a narrow belt along the Slaren ridge, with supply tightly controlled by regional houses. Because of rarity and demand, speculative markets form and synthetic substitutes have been developed, though many practitioners prefer natural material for authenticity.