faultan

Faultan is a fictional mineral species described in speculative geology and worldbuilding literature. It is not a real mineral, but it is used in narratives to illustrate mineralogical processes associated with fault zones and regional metamorphism.

Etymology and discovery

The name faultan combines the word fault with a common mineral-name suffix to evoke tectonic origin. In the in-universe records, faultan was first described by field geologist Dr. Livia Kheir in 2143 during expeditions to fracture zones along major continental faults.

Physical properties

Faultan is described as a metallic-silicate mineral with a color range from steel gray to blue-gray, and a vitreous to submetallic luster. It is typically said to crystallize in a monoclinic system and to have a density near 3.6 g/cm3. Reported properties include a hardness around 6 on the Mohs scale and a conchoidal to uneven fracture with notable anisotropy in mechanical response. Some fictional sources attribute specialized optical or electromagnetic behaviors to faultan under certain temperature and pressure conditions, though these claims are debated within the narrative.

Formation and occurrence

In the fictional setting, faultan forms in high-strain fault zones during regional metamorphism. It is often crystallized from silica-rich fluids trapped in fault gouge as rocks experience shear and elevated temperatures, allowing slow crystal growth along distorted lattice planes.

Uses and significance

Faultan is valued as a decorative stone for its distinct sheen and color. In-world researchers also explore potential applications in abrasive materials, pigments, and exploratory nano-scale electronic components, making faultan a focus of both industry and storytelling.

See also

Geology of fault zones; mineralogy; metamorphism; fault rock.