dalrlar

Dalrlar is a rare silicate mineral notable for its blue-green to olive color and its habit of forming prismatic to tabular crystals. The name originates from the Dalr region, where the first specimens were reported during late 19th-century fieldwork. It is prized by collectors for its distinctive hues and relatively high refractivity.

Physical properties include a Mohs hardness near 6 and a specific gravity around 3.4 to 3.6 g/cm3. Crystals are commonly monoclinic or orthorhombic and exhibit a vitreous to pearly luster. The mineral is usually translucent to opaque, with color variations from deep blue-green to pale olive, and it may show mild pleochroism in thin section.

Dalrlar forms in hydrothermal veins within metamorphic rocks, crystallizing under moderate temperatures and pressures. It is commonly associated with minerals such as tourmaline, quartz, and albite, and occurs in zones adjacent to mafic intrusions as well as contact-metamorphic belts.

The best-documented occurrences are in the Xandor Range, with smaller finds in northern highlands and glaciated valleys. Mining is carried out by small-scale operations that emphasize environmental stewardship and tailings management given the mineral’s relatively shallow, high-altitude locale.

Dalrlar is mainly used as a gemstone by collectors and jewelers due to its color and durability. It has potential for industrial applications in ceramic pigments and certain electronic uses under research, but supply remains limited. In local traditions, the stone is associated with clarity and protection and features in folklore and ornamentation.