Mithral

TTRPG Fictional · Legendary · Medieval

A silvery metal of elvish origin, lighter than steel yet stronger. Mined in the deepest places of the world, it is prized above all others for the crafting of fine armor and magical implements.

Identity

Source
J.R.R. Tolkien / tabletop RPG tradition
Aliases
Mithril, Truesilver

Physical Properties

Appearance
Pale silver-blue with a mirror-like sheen that does not tarnish
Luster
Metallic
Density
3 g/cm³
Melting point
1300 °C
Boiling point
2600 °C
Lighter
Duralumin
Denser
Heartwood Metal
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Electrical conductivity
Medium

Mechanical Properties

Mohs hardness
8
Tensile strength
850 MPa
Softer
Tungsten
Harder
Chromium
Workability
Difficult
Brittleness
Tough
Malleability
High
Ductility
High

Chemical Properties

Corrosion resistance
very high
Reactivity
very low

Lore & Narrative

Smiths who have worked mithral describe it as forging moonlight: it holds an edge without weight, and rings like crystal when struck. A shirt of mithral rings was said to be worth the ransom of a king.

Notable uses
Fine armor, magical weapons, elvish jewelry, arcane foci
Forge uses
armor, weapons, jewelry, magical implements
Worldbuilding traits
elvish, magical, lightweight, precious

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