Tornid

Tornid is a fictional mineral that appears in speculative geology and worldbuilding literature. It is typically described as blue, transparent to translucent crystals with a glassy luster, valued for its beauty and perceived stability.

Physical properties commonly attributed to Tornid include crystallization in the monoclinic system, forming prismatic to tabular crystals. Reported Mohs hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7, and a density around 3.3–3.6 g/cm3. Optical properties often include a refractive index near 1.54–1.60 and strong birefringence in some depictions, which can yield vivid color effects under polarized light. It is usually described as color-shift blue, sometimes with purple or green tints in deeper crystals.

Formation and occurrence are described in some worldbuilding sources as arising in high-grade metamorphic zones and pegmatites, often in association with minerals such as feldspar, muscovite, and garnet. In many fictional settings, Tornid is mined from deep veins in mountainous belts, with the Halden Range being a commonly cited example. Its supposed scarcity in most narratives helps explain its value and the logistics of extraction.

Uses and cultural significance vary by work but commonly include applications in precision optics and high-quality jewelry, with occasional references to theoretical energy storage concepts in science fiction. In several stories, Tornid deposits influence local economies and trade networks, making the mineral a symbol of extraction ethics and regional development.

History and nomenclature often note that Tornid first appears in late-20th to early-21st-century worldbuilding glossaries and has since been adopted by multiple fictional canons. Consequently, there is no single canonical definition or agreed-upon etymology across works.