vardast

Vardast is a fictional mineral described in fantasy literature and games. It is prized for its iridescent surface and purported capacity to store and regulate ambient energy, often appearing in magical artifacts and energy cores.

The name vardast appears in multiple in-world languages, but is often linked to terms meaning light, stone, or voice, depending on culture. It is commonly presented as an ancient or sacred material.

Vardast is described as a translucent to transparent mineral with color-shifting hues from blue to violet. It typically has a Mohs hardness around 6 to 7, a conchoidal fracture, and a gentle chatoyancy or a cat's-eye effect under focused light. It is said to luminesce faintly in darkness.

In lore, vardast forms in hydrothermal veins within high-mrid mountain regions or astral-prism geologies; it is often found with quartz, quatrine, or etherite. Mining is hazardous due to gas pockets and structural instability.

The primary use is as an energy conductor or focus for arcane or advanced technologies. It powers rune engines, starships, and ceremonial devices, and is sought for jewelry as well. Rarity and price vary by setting and story.

In many stories vardast is associated with guardians of light or ancient custodians; legends claim the mineral reveals hidden truths or guides travelers, though such claims vary across cultures.