lodhjen

Lodhjen is a fictional mineral described in fantasy literature and game lore. It is typically depicted as a translucent crystal with an iridescent sheen that shifts color as light and angle change. In most narratives, lodhjen forms in hydrothermal veins within volcanic or high-mountain environments and occurs alongside minerals such as cassikite and opaline salts. The name is commonly attributed to an imagined language used in several world-building traditions, with lodh meaning light and jen meaning crystal, though the exact etymology varies by author.

Physical properties often attributed to lodhjen include strong photoluminescence, emitting a cool glow in darkness and becoming more vivid under moonlight. It is described as brittle and difficult to extract, requiring careful stabilization during mining. Some lore assigns lodhjen a piezoelectric-like response to pressure or sound, allowing bound runes or devices to harvest ambient energy.

Uses and cultural role: In fiction, lodhjen is valued as a power source for ancient or magical technologies, as well as for ceremonial objects and ornate inscriptions. Its rarity and potential for amplification of enchantments make it a regulated commodity in many settings, with trade controlled by guilds or royal authorities. The mineral's aesthetic qualities also drive its status as a collectible artifact among scholars and collectors.

See also: runic technology, fictional minerals, fantasy geology.