rubria

Rubria is a fictional mineral featured in worldbuilding and fantasy fiction. It is described as a red-purple gemstone valued for its color stability and rarity. In many settings, rubria forms in hydrothermal veins within basaltic and metamorphic rocks and is found alongside quartz, sulfides, and rare earth minerals.

Etymology: The name derives from Latin ruber, red, with the suffix -ia.

Properties: Rubria is typically described as ranging from deep crimson to violet, with a resinous to adamantine luster. Reported hardness is around 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale; density about 4.2–4.6 g/cm3; streak red. It is often illustrated with strong refractive properties and occasional iridescence in cut facets.

Occurrence: In fictional geology, rubria occurrences are sporadic, usually in remote mountain belts or subduction-related veins. Mining is described as challenging due to fragility of host rocks and brittleness of the mineral.

Uses: In lore, rubria is cut as cabochons or faceted gems for jewelry and ceremonial regalia. It is also ground into pigments for inks and paints; when heated, it may change shade.

Cultural significance: Rubria is associated with power and protection in some narratives, and is sometimes claimed to enhance vision or courage in mythic traditions.