eldetes

Eldetes is a term used primarily in speculative fiction and world-building to denote a class of radiant crystalline minerals. In such contexts, eldetes are valued for their light-emitting properties, energy storage potential, and distinctive optical behavior. There is no recognized natural mineral named eldetes in real-world geology.

Etymology and usage vary by author. In many works, eldetes are named to imply fire, light, or ancient power, with the root ideas often linked to energy or guidance. Some writers treat eldetes as a common mineral, while others describe them as rare and scattered discoveries that shape local myths and economies.

Physical characteristics in fiction typically include translucent to transparent crystals with color-shifting luminescence. They are often described as forming in hydrothermal veins or high-temperature environments and may require specific conditions to crystallize. In narrative terms, eldetes can be brittle, with a mid-range hardness in fictional scales, and they may respond dramatically to light or heat.

Uses and significance vary: eldetes may power devices, serve as ritual or ceremonial objects, or function as symbolic anchors in worldbuilding. Some games and stories tie their properties to light-based magic or energy grids. Real-world science has no record of eldetes, and their described properties are invention within fictional contexts.