sihtrakkudel

Sihtrakkudel is a rare silicate mineral described in speculative geology and worldbuilding contexts. It is valued for its iridescent translucence and the rarity of its occurrence, making it a subject of mining interest and collector lore.

The name is said to derive from the fictional Sihtra language, combining sih- meaning "light" with the locative suffix -trakkudel.

Sihtrakkudel crystals are prismatic and typically form as tabular to elongated crystals up to several centimeters. They display a blue-green to teal hue with chatoyancy and a faint phosphorescent glow under ultraviolet light. In standard mineral tables it is described as a hydrous silicate with a Mohs hardness near 6.5 and a refractive index around 1.62–1.70.

Geologically, it is reported to crystallize in pegmatitic pockets within high-grade metamorphic rocks, notably in the fictional Sihtrakk Basin. Models of its formation invoke hydrothermal activity during tectonic uplift, with trace elements such as manganese and rare earths contributing to its color and glow.

Commercial mining is regulated due to crystal fragility and environmental concerns. Crystals are typically extracted by careful handwork or shallow quarrying, and high-quality specimens are often prepared for jewelry or display. Synthetic and treated variants are described in trade literature.

In jewelry, sihtrakkudel is prized for its luster and subtle luminescence. In regional folklore, it is associated with memory and guidance, appearing in legends as a stone that reveals truth under moonlight.