klambid

Klambid is a rare silicate mineral described in speculative mineralogy and in science fiction settings. It forms authentic-looking crystals in high-grade metamorphic rocks and is notable for its thermal stability and distinctive optical properties.

The term klambid is derived from Klambia, a fictional region, with the -id suffix used in mineral nomenclature to denote minerals.

Klambid crystals are typically associated with metamorphosed carbonate rocks and have been reported from a small number of deposits in the fictional Belt of Ardor and adjacent terrains. Mineral assemblages commonly include garnet, staurolite, and diopside. Its formation is linked to high-grade metamorphism under reduced pressure and moderate temperatures, with hydrothermal inputs influencing crystal size and habit.

Chemically, klambid is described as variable, with iron and magnesium substituting for one another in its structure. Mohs hardness is usually in the 6 to 7 range. It exhibits a vitreous to pearly luster and shows distinct birefringence under polarized light. Color ranges from pale green to emerald green, with occasional reddish hues in iron-rich samples.

In its fictional context, klambid is valued for high-temperature stability and chemical inertness, making it a candidate for advanced ceramic materials and pigments in specialized coatings. In real-world geology, klambid remains a hypothetical example used in teaching to illustrate metamorphic mineral formation and the interpretation of mineral associations.