Almasium is a blue crystalline substance that is found deep within the world of Prismatia. In its basic form, it is used as a conductor of magical energy. However, if it is refined further, it acts as a magical amplifier, and eventual power source.
It originally was considered a “waste” product of deep iron and salt mining, but it came to the attention of Gestirn University that “blue glass” ore was sensitive to magic. This ore can be smelted in large furnaces until it can be poured into molds and cut to size. However, it is quite dangerous to work with, with explosions being common, and workers being exposed to all sorts of magical ailments. The molds are allowed to cool and crystallize in dark, isolated chambers dedicated to the process to prevent contamination.
(cont.)Starglass is a clear, glass-like crystalline material artificially crafted by noble Everstar artisans to be used as a high quality magical focus. Starglass is extremely rare and quite expensive, limiting it to Everstar noble families and the black market. The process for its creation is well documented by Gestirn University, but the Duchy forbids the knowledge from leaving its walls.
Starglass is perfectly clear with only minor refractive and reflective properties. Its primary use is for lensing magic; either by reflection or refraction of spells. The Everstar family and the other nobility of the Duchy will use the material as the primary component of their magical conduits (wands, staffs, necklaces, etc). Starglass also gives the ability to see at great distances and at great detail, through walls and even deep into space; large pieces of Starglass are polished into perfect spheres for use as a crystal ball.
(cont.)Dragonsclaw is a dark, opaque crystalline material. It has an eerie purple and black glow, almost like a black light. It grows in sharp, jagged crystals that look similar to the claws of a dragon. It is a very brittle material, and can easily be shattered or pulverized. When set ablaze, it burns slowly and calmly, leaving behind cinders that easily blow away in the wind. The material is banned outside of Obsydia for its dangerous properties, but that hasn’t stopped the widespread smuggling, black market sales, and illegal harvesting.
(cont.)Esmerald is a green crystalline substance that is grown and harvested by the Esmera. The structure and function of this material is very similar to Almasium and Almasine, however, unlike them, Esmerald is grown using a process that is a closely guarded secret; what is known, is that it occurs deep in the forest. The Esmera cut these crystals into sheets which are used to make their solar panels, which convert the sun’s rays into magic that can then be stored and used later. Scholars at Gestirn discovered the remarkable similarities of Esmerald to Almasium only a few years after the latter was found and refined. The Esmera refuse to let Sapphi industrialists have access to the material, as they believe they would abuse the forests in the quest for power.
(cont.)