Velithium
Properties
Material Characteristics
Violet-tinged metal that arcs to organic material such as plants or skin and crackles softly with static, releasing faint flashes of purple lightning when disturbed. Has a has a magical conductivity rating of 10 out of 10.
Geology & Geography
Velithium is mined from the Skyrend Peaks found high atop Pægor's Eltavur's Coil, where ancient lightning strikes left permanent burns into the mountain’s bedrock. The ore pulses faintly with static charge and must be handled with insulated equipment to prevent arc discharge.
History & Usage
Discovery
Velithium was discovered in the year 19 when ancient arcanists scoured Pægor's surfaces after the Emergence, witching for water and other vital resources. Dozens of arcanists perished with its discovery due to their close proximity to one another and the ore's overabundance in the region, supercharged by the recently extinguished global fires.
Everyday use
Velithium is one of the most common materials in Beaumont today, found in every battery powering the billions of devices in use across the confederacy. It is also used to charge arc cannons, lightning nets and tesla towers which are capable of sending power over hundreds of miles through the ground.
Industrial Use
Aside from their common residential uses, Velithium is used in most commercial and industrial equipment as a power source, often in the form of batteries.
Refinement
Velithium reacts violently to moisture and must be dry smelted, insulated and bottled with ceramic sleeves or canisters until ready to install.
Hazards
Due to its volatility when mixed with any moisture, handlers of Velithium often wear full-body suits and are harnessed to retrieval nets which can snatch workers-in-danger in an instant, pulling them to safety.
Environmental Impact
Velithium is toxic when disposed after smelting and must be buried with proper signage and disposal techniques.
Reusability & Recycling
Velithium is not recyclable or reusable.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Velithium is commercially available all over the world and is sold by the ton. When purchasing Velithium, prospective buyers often opt to inspect the batch first to ensure the quality of material fits their precise need. This is due to the metal's inconsistencies and its impact on energy storage; too much arcing can cause excessive battery drain and too little arcing can create dead cells.
Storage
Velithium must be stored in water-tight containers that are non-conductive, such as ceramics.
Law & Regulation
Both Pægor and Kiqueo impose strict fines and can carry prison sentences for the improper disposal of Velithium. Fines range from 1,000 -1,000,000 gold per occurrence and can carry up to 400 years in prison.
Type
Ore
Value
20 gold per gram
Rarity
Common
Color
violet with arcs of white
Melting / Freezing Point
4000° T
Density
215 lb/ft³