huilden

Huilden is a fictional mineral described in the fantasy setting of Ardentia. It is a silicate mineral that forms in pegmatitic veins within mountain belts. Crystals are prismatic and exhibit a vitreous luster. Color ranges from pale green to deep emerald, with occasional blue or yellow zones caused by trace elements. On the Mohs scale it is rated around 7 to 8, and it shows cleavage on two planes. Its optical properties include a relatively high refractive index and strong birefringence.

Etymology: The name huilden is said to come from the Old Ardentian word huilde meaning "bright," later applied by prospectors to the gleaming stone.

Occurrence and formation: Huilden forms when late-stage magmatic fluids crystallize aluminum silicate within feldspathic host rocks, often in zones enriched by fluorine and trace metals. Principal sources lie in the northern highlands of Ardentia, though map editions vary by author.

Uses and significance: Because of its color, brilliancy, and hardness, huilden is sought for jewelry, inlays, and decorative carvings. It is sometimes ground into a fine abrasive for precision polishing. In various Ardentian traditions, huilden is associated with protection and clarity of thought.

Mining and trade: Extraction occurs in surface pits and, where deeper veins exist, in underground tunnels. Gem-quality crystals command premium prices; overall supply remains limited. Environmental considerations include habitat impact and water use; regional guidelines encourage sustainable mining practices.

See also: Ardentian mineralogy, Pegmatite.