Ruby Silver

Dark red colored crystal formations of silver, sulfur and arsenic known to scholars as Ruby Silver may be found rarely in or near veins of mineral silver, and silver ore. It is prized by spell weavers and enchanters for its ability to enhance magic related to sensory perception. Few silver deposits are known to contain the right minerology to produce more than a spoonful of tiny Ruby Silver crystals. The rarity of the crystals and the limited number of large specimens makes gemstones of the mineral highly valuable, and disregarded as all but a myth in most circles.   The high levels of sulfur and arsenic in Ruby Silver and the surrounding minerals can make the deposits hazardous to harvest or process, as is common with many types of precious metal deposits. Water runoff from a mine or deposit can carry levels of arsenic that are poisonous, although some more responsible mine foremen will hire druids or other weavers to purify the water or refine out the arsenic. Fortunately the foul odor of sulfur will warn away all but the desperately thirsty from the most contaminated streams and pools.   Where the senses are to be enhanced or misled by magic this mineral is the standard to aspire to, while its substitutes lack in mastery of duration, control, or magnification. Among Illusionists and Enchantment weavers gemstones of Ruby Silver can be prized tools of the trade capable of magnifying the weavers arts. In the commissioning of enchanted equipment for scouts, wardens, and investigators a pinch of fine crystals is an integral component, with the clarity and size of the granules greatly boosting the powers of the enhancements they grant.   One infamous Ruby Silver gem is the Whispering Eye, wielded by the dark sorcerer Burkamin to control the court of Hojhagn during the reign of Kaukus The Blind. Hardly larger than a pea, and said to have a smoky silver hue to one of its twelve faces, the Whispering Eye was still capable of augmenting Burkamin's powers to control the minds of the courtiers and king Kaukus and his other councilors for years. After Burkamin was slain by the heros of the east, the Whispering Eye was said to have been shattered and consumed in enchantments granting the band of heros the ability to see spirits.