sráenou

Sráenou is a fictional mineral and cultural motif used in Celtic-inspired fantasy settings and collaborative worldbuilding projects. The term is presented in these works as deriving from a hypothetical Gaelic root sráen- meaning “stone” or “rock,” though etymologies vary by author. In the depicted worlds, sráenou is a dense, subtly luminescent mineral with a Mohs hardness of about 6–7 and a granular texture when cut. It is typically found in subterranean river caves and fault zones where mineral-rich waters form vein-like deposits.

Sráenou is valued for both practical and magical properties. Craftworkers use it for durable architectural blocks, ceremonial statuary, and inscriptions that are said to hold memory and resonance. In many narratives, runes carved into sráenou are believed to awaken when near ancient sites or to channel protective energies. The mineral also features in folklore as a witness stone—a material that records the deeds of those who swear oaths upon it.

In literature, games, and online fiction, sráenou appears as a recurring element in Celtic-inspired mythologies, often associated with guardianship, memory, and the passage of time. Several authors treat it as a plot device that unlocks hidden chambers or activates ancient portals when used in specific rituals. While not a real mineral, sráenou functions as a versatile worldbuilding tool across media.