Crystallization
Drinking supersaturated mineral water, particularly the raw, unfiltered water sourced from the hot springs of the Glistening Meadows, can facilitate the deposition of minerals within the body, leading to the condition known as crystallization. This process occurs when the concentration of minerals in the water exceeds their solubility limits at a certain temperature. A sudden temperature change, or a disturbance in the water, allows minerals to precipitate out of solution and form solid crystals.
The only known location where the remarkable phenomenon of supersaturated mineral water occurs is in the Glistening Meadows, a sprawling basalt floodplain adorned with hot springs and crystals growing right out of the ground. The meadows also includes the Crystal Lake, where most of the water from the hot springs has pooled. This lake eventually drains into the sea, where the dazzling town of Glimmertide is located.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of this condition is pain, which is typically located in the mouth, throat, chest, and stomach areas. This discomfort arises from the mineral precipitation, which leads to the formation of small, sharp, solid crystals. The size and location of these crystals can cause considerable pain, which can be exacerbated by swallowing.
If left untreated, the accumulation of microcrystals in the digestive tract can lead to serious complications, including internal bleeding. This poses a significant risk of causing sepsis.
Treatment
The suggested treatment may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the time that has passed since the incident. If the symptoms are mild and the incident recently occurred, it is recommended to have your stomach pumped.
For more severe incidents where the microcrystals have reached the colon, the best treatment is to wait for them to pass and to prevent sepsis. There is no effective way to treat the numerous minuscule lacerations, aside from allowing them to heal on their own.
Prevention
To avoid the occurrence of this condition, it is important to either reduce the hardness of the water or lower the mineral content to levels within normal acceptable ranges. This can be achieved through the use of traditional water softening techniques. In the case of the Crystal Tea drink, a specific tea bag is utilized, containing a small crystal intended to facilitate the nucleation of crystal growth, thereby ensuring the desired outcome.
History
When Crystal Tea was initially introduced, there was a significant challenge in ensuring its safety for consumption. This led to the development of a solution involving the insertion of a small crystal into a tea bag. This crystal facilitated the nucleation of crystal growth, effectively removing enough minerals to make the tea safe for consumption.
However, despite the demonstration of the tea's safety when using the special tea bag, people continued to express reluctance toward drinking it following the initial incident.
Type
Chemical Compound
Origin
Natural
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Uncommon
Affected Species
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