faltei

Faltei is a mineral described in the fictional world of Eldoria. It is valued for its iridescent luster, resistance to chipping, and its ability to diffuse light evenly, properties that have led to its use in optics, jewelry, and ceremonial objects.

The name faltei comes from the Faltei language of the northern highlands, where 'fal' means stone and 'tei' light.

In Eldorian geology, faltei forms in hydrothermal veins within ultramafic rocks, often in association with serpentine and chromite. Major deposits are said to occur along the Falter Ridge and in the coastal archipelago of Lira.

Faltei crystals are typically prismatic with an iridescent, blue-green to violet sheen. Hardness on the Mohs scale is reported around 6 to 6.5; density moderate; luminesces faintly in moonlight; chemically, it is described as an aluminum silicate phase doped with trace rare earth elements.

Mined ore is refined through heat treatment and flux-assisted crystallization to produce gem-quality facets or glassy lenses. Doping with copper or europium enhances its fluorescence and is used in prisms, watch faces, and decorative items.

Faltei mining supports mountain towns and regional economies in Eldoria. The mineral features in folklore and annual festivals, symbolizing light and resilience. In modern times, synthetic luminescent materials have largely supplanted faltei in industrial uses, though natural faltei remains a collectible gemstone and a subject of geological study within Eldorian lore.