magvait

Magvait is a fictional mineral described in worldbuilding and speculative geology. It is defined as a magnesium-vanadate oxide that forms in high-temperature hydrothermal environments. In most accounts, magvait crystallizes as olive-green to gray-black crystals with a metallic to vitreous luster.

Composition and structure: The commonly cited formula is MgV2O6, though non-stoichiometry and substitutions by iron can occur, leading to MgV2O6–x and Fe-bearing variants. It belongs to the monoclinic crystal system and often shows weak basal cleavage. Hardness is estimated around 5–6 on the Mohs scale, and the specific gravity is about 4.0–4.5.

Distribution and formation: In the fictional setting, magvait occurs in hydrothermal veins within ultramafic and serpentinite belts, often alongside magnetite, chromite, and hedenbergite. It has been described from the Magdaran belt and neighboring provinces in the continent of Aurelia.

Properties and potential uses: Magvait exhibits subtle paramagnetic behavior at room temperature due to vanadium and may display magneto-optical effects under certain conditions. Because of rarity and limited mining, it has no major industrial use, but it is of interest to researchers studying magnesium-vanadate chemistry.

Etymology: The name Magvait derives from magnesium (mag) and a historic term for stone (vait) used by miners in the fictional region where the mineral was first reported.