Pyrethium
Properties
Physical & Chemical Properties
Slate gray with glowing ember speckles that retain their color and glow even in finished products except when alloyed with Oblivite. Has a magical conductivity rating of 5 out of 10.
Geology & Geography
Found primarily within the molten caverns of the Orrivhex Expanse in northern Ixenvorast, Pyrethium deposits are naturally heat-resistant and often form near dormant magma veins. The metal’s natural ember freckles come from long exposure to subterranean combustion pockets.
History & Usage
Discovery
Pyrethium was first catalogued in the year 5302 when boilerwrights mistakenly attempted to burn coal only to discover the ore refused to burn. Nearly 50 years later in 5349, Pyrethium was officially classified as it is today when its melting point was discovered, holding the record for the highest melting point of any material known.
Everyday use
Pyrethium's unique properties make it ideal for most heat-related designs including boiler casings, fire‑suits, blast shields and high-end locking safes.
Industrial Use
In recent centuries Pyrethium has also been included in many Pægan deep-komanan drilling designs making up bits, shafts and pumps among other components.
Refinement
Pyrethium's refinement process is broad though the material typically responds best to an underground hearth with super-heated air bellows. Due to its extremely high melting point, Pyrethium forges require constant reconstruction due to extreme vitrification. It also responds extremely well to mana-infused fire which is typically regarded as a necessity to reach the extreme temperatures required for smelting. This approach does produce beneficial byproducts but significantly limits the reusability of both the material and the forge due to manasickness poisoning.
Byproducts & Sideproducts
When smelted with mana-infused fire, inert ash is created with a 4:1 ratio of metal:ash. Inert ash, better known as fireash, is widely used as a flame retardant for residential, commercial and industrial applications such as fire extinguishers, insulation and fire retardant paints.
Environmental Impact
Forges are frequently abandoned and marked as hazardous due to the mana-poisoned vitrified material left behind. Hazard plaques are required to be digitalized with a 15,000 year minimum projection life in accordance with M.A.N.A. (Manafield Assessment and Nullification Act) and are required to be readable in all known languages alongside simplified pictograms signifying the risk of hazardous sites.
Reusability & Recycling
Pyrethium is not recyclable or reusable but is commonly praised as a permanent solution, significantly reducing waste and over consumption due to its longevity.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Commonly sold in bulk by the ton with intercontinental shipping conducted exclusively by the Blackaxel Cartel.
Type
Ore
Value
4 gold per gram
Rarity
Common
Color
gray speckled with black and amber
Melting / Freezing Point
5700° T
Density
605 lb/ft³