oimaan

Oimaan is a fictional mineral used in world-building and educational exercises to illustrate mineralogical classification. In the imagined geology of the continent of Valara, oimaan is described as a rare blue silicate that crystallizes in the hexagonal system and forms transparent to translucent crystals with a vitreous luster.

Etymology and concept: The term oimaan is presented in the fiction as derived from the Oimanian language, meaning "bright crystal." The name is used to convey both color and clarity within the imaginary geology of Valara.

Properties: In the fictional schema, oimaan has a complex silicate composition with trace titanium and iron, which gives its blue color. It is described as hardness 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, density about 3.3 g/cm3, and refractive index around 1.62–1.66. Crystals commonly occur as prismatic shapes with faint basal cleavage; streak is white. The mineral is typically described as having a high degree of optical transparency in well-formed crystals.

Occurrence and formation: Oimaan deposits are said to occur mainly in granitic pegmatites and high-temperature hydrothermal veins. It is associated with quartz, feldspar, and tourmaline. In the fictional chronology of Valara, oimaan forms during late-stage crystallization in crustal pockets under specific pressure and temperature conditions.

Uses and significance: Oimaan is valued as a gemstone for its color and clarity and is described in some sources as having potential in photonics, including laser applications and UV-transparent windows within the imagined setting. It also features in trade as a symbol of rarity and regional economic activity.

See also: Mineral, Silicate mineral, Pegmatite, Gemstone.