varlklarn

Varlklarn is a fictional mineral described in the encyclopedic lore of Eldoria. It is a rare color-shifting silicate that forms slender, prismatic crystals within vesicular igneous rocks. Reports describe an iridescent surface sheen and noticeable birefringence under polarized light; composition is variable, with trace amounts of magnesium and aluminum influencing hue. Typical hardness is placed at 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale.

Geology and distribution: Varlklarn is said to form during late-stage hydrothermal activity in felsic to intermediate rocks. Claimed sources include the Skydune Highlands and the Valenrath Dome, but exact localities are guarded by trade guilds. Crystallographic brittleness and a tendency to cleave complicate mining, requiring careful extraction methods and stabilization during handling.

Uses and cultural significance: Historically, varlklarn appears in Eldorian jewelry, ceremonial artifacts, and diplomatic gifts. It is associated in lore with protection and clarity, though no empirical properties are asserted in the lore. In contemporary fiction, it often signals scarcity or serves as a plot device due to its reputed beauty and rarity.

Etymology and naming: The term varlklarn is said to derive from older Eldorian roots referring to light and stone; glossaries treat it as a proper noun for the mineral.