pendrage

Pendrage is a fictional metallic mineral frequently referenced in speculative fiction, tabletop role-playing games, and related media. It is depicted as a dense, conductive ore with unusual magnetic properties, making it highly sought after for advanced energy and defense technologies in imaginary worlds.

Physical properties commonly attributed to pendrage include a dense crystalline form with a metallic luster. Reported hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 7.5 to 8, and density is around 9.2 g/cm3. It is described as an excellent conductor and, in many depictions, displays strong magnetoresistance and faint luminescence under ultraviolet light.

Geological occurrence in fiction places pendrage in high-grade metamorphic belts and hydrothermal veins. The most frequent setting is the Pendrage Basin in the eastern regions of the fictional world of Eldoria, where nodular pendrage concentrates are mined and processed.

Extraction and processing involve open-pit or underground mining, followed by smelting and chemical purification. Impurities such as arsenic and sulfur are commonly reported, requiring stringent handling and environmental controls. Recycled pendrage plays a notable role in maintaining supply in many narratives.

Uses in stories include energy storage cores, superconducting magnets for propulsion, hardening of spacecraft hulls, and ornamental jewelry in speculative economies. Because pendrage is rare and valuable, it often drives trade, smuggling, and political conflict within fictional settings.

Safety and research within fictional worlds emphasize toxicity of refining byproducts and the need for protective equipment. Real-world scientists who reference pendrage note it as a speculative element rather than a real mineral.