Emberglow
Emberglow is a mineral found naturally in Voralar. It is used for its magic-focussing and retaining properties.
Pure emberglow is found in optically clear crystals with a trigonal hexagonal structure. It is rarely found in geodes, but more commonly occurs in inclusions up to 3 cm in metamorphic rock.
The Emberhills in Linnadeigh are named for their extensive emberglow deposits. One of the largest seams is mined by the dwarvish community of Embervale, which produces 70% of Linnadeigh's entire consumption.
Emberglow is primarily used by the magical community, mostly in low-purity powdered forms for the production of magic items, talismans and magical foci. It's also occasionally abused by wealthy non-magical people wishing to experience spellcasting.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Formula mass: 658.00 g/mol
Color: Amber, from dark to pale.
Crystal habit: Hexagonal columnar; Prismatic, occasionally sphenoid
Twinning: Rare
Cleavage: Rhombohedral
Fracture: Subconchoidal
Tenacity: Brittle
Hardness: 6.5–7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Diaphaneity: Transparent
Specific gravity: Average 3.12
Optical properties: Uniaxial (-)
Refractive index: nω = 1.84–2.09; nε = 1.98–2.12
Birefringence: δ = 0.0040–0.0070
Pleochroism: Weak
Ultraviolet fluorescence: Mild green
Origin & Source
Generally found in sedimentary and metamorphic rock
History & Usage
Cultural Significance and Usage
High-purity emberglow is occasionally used by wealthy non-magical people as a way to experience spellcasting, in a process known as "blowing on the embers". The emberglow, usually in the form of small crystals of 2-3 g, is charged by being carried by a natural spellcaster for a few days, and generally empowers users to use a few random cantrips for a short period.
For more professional use, spellcasters use emberglow as a way to store, focus and amplify their powers.
Industrial Use
Powdered emberglow is commonly used as a channeling matrix in magic items. For this, all but the most high-end items use low-purity powder to control costs.
Hazards
Toxic if consumed; LD50 approx 80-90 mg/kg. Exhibits euphoric properties at 25-40 mg/kg, occasionally hallucinogenic and psychotic properties at dosages around 50 mg/kg.
Volatile if excessively charged.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Emberglow is readily available in a low-purity form in magical supply stores, usually either powdered or cast into amulets. Higher purity forms are generally a luxury commodity, but available processed and unprocessed on the black market.
Storage
Emberglow is generally stable, though can become volatile with excess exposure to magic. It is often stored in glass containers with a high lead content to minimise magic absorption if it is to be stored long-term.
Type
Ore/Mineral
Value
Common purity (40-60% Egl): 40. High purity (80-90% Egl): 250. Pure (90%+): 900. Geodes (fine quality): 2300 / kg.
Odor
None
Taste
Slightly tinny with bitter aftertaste
Color
Amber, dark to pale
Boiling / Condensation Point
980°C
Melting / Freezing Point
643°C
Density
3.12 g/cm3
Common State
Solid crystalline
Related Locations
Related Species
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