tsnjí

Tsnjí is a rare mineral described in the fictional literature of Valara. It forms in hydrothermal veins where silica-rich fluids interact with crustal rocks under elevated pressure. Crystals are translucent with an iridescent sheen that shifts from green to violet as the viewing angle changes. When exposed to heat, tsnjí emits a faint, natural glow, a property that has made it valuable for both practical signaling and decorative purposes.

Etymology and naming history indicate that tsnjí comes from the Tsnjar language. The root elements are interpreted as a reference to light and stone, reflecting the mineral’s characteristic glow.

Geology and distribution are limited. The most significant deposits are reported in the northern Excerta Basin and along the southern Ionara Spur, with smaller pockets elsewhere. Extraction is typically artisanal and involves careful mining to avoid destabilizing surrounding rock; operations are regulated due to seismic risk in the region. The mineral’s scarcity and the difficulty of extraction contribute to its high value in local markets.

Uses and cultural significance inform much of tsnjí’s status. It is widely employed in ceremonial jewelry, ×totems, and reliquaries, and historically served as a medium of exchange in minor trade networks. The mineral’s glow accompanies nocturnal rites and is traditionally believed to symbolize guidance and endurance. In contemporary settings within the fictional world, tsnjí remains a sought-after material for artisans and collectors, with export controls intended to preserve deposits.

Note: Tsnjí is presented here as a fictional mineral for world-building purposes.