oldat

Oldat is a fictional mineral described in the fantasy setting of Eldoria. It is valued for its combination of hardness, faint luminosity, and catalytic properties, appearing in craft, trade, and magic traditions within the world.

The name is derived from the eastern dialect of Oldari, meaning “bright stone.” In in-world texts, variants such as Oldat and Oldath appear, reflecting regional pronunciation and transliteration.

In-universe, oldat forms in hydrothermal veins and is typically found in compact, irregular nodules. It has a Mohs hardness near 6.5 and a density of about 4.2 g/cm³. The mineral exhibits a deep blue color with iridescent streaks and glows faintly in moonlight. When subjected to heat or electric current, oldat can release stored energy in controlled bursts, and it can act as a catalyst in selective reactions within magical or technological systems.

Occurrence and extraction are concentrated in the Nahar Range, Eldoria’s eastern highlands. Mined by small teams using traditional methods, oldat ore is often brittle and requires careful smelting and refining to remove impurities before use in alloys or arcane devices.

Uses include its incorporation into tools and weapons to improve edge retention and resilience, and the creation of oldat steel praised for its balance of hardness and flexibility. It is also employed as a catalyst in certain arcane reactors and as decorative material in jewelry and inlays due to its luminous veins.

Historically, oldat has been central to regional economies and smith guilds. Trade routes known as the Oldat Way linked mining towns to coastal markets, and its price has historically fluctuated with supply and demand. In culture, the mineral is associated with craftsmanship and is featured in myths honoring the patron of smiths.