tafarlausra

Tafarlausra is a fictional mineral described in speculative fiction and world-building literature. It is valued for its luminous properties and potential applications in photonics and energy storage.

The name tafarlausra derives from the fictional Zayran language, meaning "stone that holds light." It originated in early texts within the Epoch of Dawn setting.

In the world-building lore, tafarlausra is a hexagonal silicate mineral with a color range from colorless to pale blue. It exhibits strong luminescence under ultraviolet light, a high refractive index, and Mohs hardness around 7 to 8. It remains chemically stable up to about 1000°C and shows low solubility in water.

Geologically, tafarlausra is described as forming in basaltic lava tubes and hydrothermal veins, often in association with magnetite and rutile. Crystals are typically short prisms with a glassy luster.

Extraction involves open-pit mining in remote basalt quarries, followed by gravity separation, flotation, and annealing. Laboratory synthesis of tafarlausra is also reported, using hydrothermal conditions to produce crystalline material for research purposes.

Applications in the fictional setting include photonic devices, such as light concentrators and energy storage cells, as well as phosphorescent pigments and decorative jewelry. Its durability and luminescence make it a recurring motif in ceremonial objects.

Historical notes: Tafarlausra was first described by the Ardent Consortium in 2140 in the Epoch of Dawn narratives. Research into its luminescence mechanisms continues in in-world institutions, with attention to safety and environmental impact.