Thaumium

Thaumium (Boshaari : silima ; Mewei : tvrdi; Hiderid Common : arcanite) is a rare, metaplanar crystal known for its ability to manifest a dark energy field when subjected to electricity. Its exotic crystalline structure enables it to trap scalar particles known as thaumions (Θ), which  mediate arcane forces .   Thaumium is primarily used as a mediator or catalyst in cold fusion power generation, FTL engines, biothaumic amplifiers (for Spellweaving ), and other technology collectively refered to as Magitek . Due to its scarcity on Tau Elpis , thaumium is only used where no other economic alternative exists.   The scarcity of Thaumium and its strategic importance make it a finite resource of immense value. It is predominantly mined in the Hestian Belt  and in subterranean deposits on the outer planet Zindra . The trading price of Thaumium is the principal index for the Credit Exchange, thus serving as a monetary benchmark for system-wide economic activity.

Sourcing

  Initial thaumium was simply salvaged from the Embassy Ark, as well as mined on minor asteroids found trapped around Aistanar L4 and L5 Lagrange points. These reserves were quickly depleted during the construction of the first wave of fusion reactors and FTL-capable vessels, and by the 56th cycle, accessible thaumium supplies were nearly exhausted.   About a decade later, viable deposits were confirmed on Zindra as well as across asteroids in the Hestian Belt. A rush to stake claims and establish mining operations ensued, leading to the rapid development (and abandonment) of several mines and industrial facilities in the Belt and beyond. This also led to the settlement of the Belt, mostly by disaffected Zaalan  workers.   Well into the 151st cycle, fears about the level of Thaumium left in the Zindra deposits have inspired risky but potentially lucrative and novel ways to capture thaumions. A joint Boshaari-Hhrot venture aims to investigate possible deposits in the Rust Clouds, at the furthest edge of the system.