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.
Imani Almasi was the first to postulate that a “critical mass” existed of this then “new” material. Almasi’s theory came about after further refinement of the material resulted in magic being “amplified”. She put forward that a large enough crystal, cut and arranged in the right geometry, could internally reflect magic and become a stable power source for various machines. Her experiments resulted in several small explosions, but eventually she found the right parameters: A large diamond-cut crystal, placed inside a specially crafted furnace chamber. When magic is introduced, it infinitely reflects and amplifies inside the crystal, making it brighter than the sun. The crystal throws off blue sparks and flames as it burns with magical energy, eventually consuming the crystal entirely and needing to be replaced. This energy heats the furnace chamber, allowing water to be boiled and steam to be generated. Almasi was recognized for her genius, and her discovery became the basis for all Sapphi technology. Almasi Furnace designs have greatly improved and diversified in 3000 years, coming in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and power levels.
Almasium is also used in many different applications as a magical conductor, power storage, and even for aesthetics. its distinct blue glow can be found just about everywhere. Phosphorescent paints containing Almasium light up the night. Almasium furnaces power our industries and keep us warm. Everstar wands are judged by their elaborate and decadent incorporation of Almasium by master craftsman. It is the foundation of modern life on the world of Prismatia.
Almasine is a variant of Almasium that is distinctly red in its appearance and is highly unstable. The “red glass” ore is only found very deep along rich Almasium veins, and is quite rare. Although discovery of Almasine in a mine shaft usually results in the closure of the mine shaft, or even the entire mine. Attempted extraction of the material has caused large explosions that have obliterated entire mines, and in at least one case, destroyed an entire village.
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