haruldushard

Haruldushard is a rare naturally occurring mineral noted for exceptional hardness and thermal stability. It forms under extreme high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in subduction-zone settings and is typically found as elongated prismatic crystals within ultramafic rocks. The name derives from haruldu, a constructed term intended to evoke hardness, combined with shard to reflect its crystalline habit.

In terms of physical properties, haruldushard has a Mohs hardness of 9.0 to 9.5, a metallic luster, and a steel-gray to black color. It has a density around 7.8 g/cm3 and a conchoidal fracture. The mineral resists chemical attack and remains stable at temperatures approaching 1100–1200°C in inert atmospheres, with a high thermal conductivity for its class.

Geologically, haruldushard is found in trace amounts in high-grade metamorphic belts and ultramafic intrusions associated with ancient subduction zones. It is typically recovered as small to medium prisms within peridotite xenoliths, often in association with chromite, magnetite, and enstatite.

Discovery and use: The mineral was first described in a 22nd-century minerals survey focusing on subduction-zone lithologies. Because of its hardness and heat resistance, haruldushard is of interest for wear-resistant coatings, cutting tools, and protective armor in specialized applications. Commercial exploitation remains limited due to its rarity and the challenges of extraction and processing.