Vargu

Vargu is a fictional mineral that appears in fantasy literature and role-playing game settings. It is described as a dense, metallic-silicate material with distinctive optical properties and is often central to metallurgical and magical technologies in these worlds.

In most depictions, vargu has a dark, blue-black surface with an iridescent sheen that shifts to violet, indigo, or emerald under different lighting. Reported physical properties include a Mohs hardness around 7.5, a density near 9.2 g/cm3, and high thermal conductivity. The exact chemical formula varies by author but is generally presented as a composite containing iron, silicon, and trace elements.

In lore, vargu is said to form in high-grade metamorphic rocks associated with deep subduction zones or as a product of meteorite impact events. Some settings describe it as originating from reprocessed stony iron, giving it unusual stability at high temperatures and strong optical effects.

Its principal uses are as a raw material for weapon blades, armor fittings, and arcane devices where its light-refracting properties or heat resistance are valuable. Artisans emphasize quality of surface luster and uniformity of color, which influence price and enchantment potential.

Trade and production are typically organized around ingots and refined shards, with standard sizes used across markets in the fiction. Purity, color shift, and inclusions are major quality indicators.

The name vargu is said to derive from the ancient Vargh language within the fictional world, with meanings related to light and strength. As a fictional term, it has no real-world etymology.