When uncharged, Rainbow Diamond resembles a dull white or gray crystal, appearing unimpressive. However, when infused with the Light of Alfheim, it transforms into a brilliant chromakopia of shifting colors, radiating even in total darkness or intense brightness.

Rainbow Diamonds remain charged with the Light of Alfheim for a duration directly proportional to their size and density. Smaller crystals hold a charge for a short time, making them ideal for brief, high-energy applications, while larger, denser crystals sustain their charge for significantly longer, powering prolonged operations like interstellar travel.   Over time, repeated recharging causes the crystalline structure to degrade. As this degradation progresses, the Rainbow Diamond's ability to capture and hold the Alfheim Light diminishes, resulting in weaker releases of Bifröst energy. Advanced degradation can lead to unstable behavior, where the crystal may release its charge all at once in a dangerous explosion. In its final stages, the Rainbow Diamond may shatter upon attempting to receive Alfheim Light, rendering it completely unusable. The rate of degradation depends on several factors:

• Size: Larger diamonds degrade more slowly than smaller ones.
• Usage: Frequent discharges, such as in weaponry, accelerate wear.
• Light Source: Exposure to pure Alfheim Light slows degradation, while reliance on secondary light sources (artificial or from other realms) accelerates it.

Healthy Rainbow Diamonds provide clear visual feedback when charged. They glow intensely, visible even in broad daylight. Degraded diamonds become dimmer, struggling to emit light even in pitch-black conditions. Additional signs of wear may include faint surface fractures or irregular patterns within the crystal. Under ideal conditions, a large Rainbow Diamond may last centuries in a Bifröst Engine, while smaller crystals in handheld devices may degrade within years of frequent use. Careful handling and access to pure Alfheim Light can extend their lifespan considerably.

Bifröst Mutation

Prolonged and regular use of the Bifröst from a Rainbow Diamond can, in some cases, cause a sort of Bifröst Sickness where a person becomes unable to travel via the Bifröst for a short period, usually related to their body moving at speeds that are not normal or comfortable for them. This sickness passes in a few months but extended exposure to the Bifröst may result in a Bifröst Mutation which can allow the person's genes to become mutated in such a way that they can invoke the Biflames at will, reaching into the cosmos to summon Cosmic Flames without needing a Rainbow Diamond at all.   To a mage or warrior, being able to summon and invoke Cosmic Flames on command is an exceptional blessing, this mutation is typically something quite dangerous in the hands of the unknown. Pregnant persons who had unknowingly acquired the mutation after a sickness have been known to combust during stressful situations like childbirth or even adults who have gone their whole lives living as a normal person on some planet in the cosmos may suddenly combust.   While useful to battle mages, to the average person, having control over cosmic flames which move at the speed of light and burn almost everything in sight is not a blessing. These explosions of light-speed heat waves are devastating, happening in an instant and causing immense collateral damage and death.

Damaged or degraded Rainbow Diamonds are not wasted; instead, they can be broken down and refined into Rainbow Sand. This fine, shimmering sand is then melted and crafted into Rainbow Glass, a unique and versatile material with properties reminiscent of the original diamond's connection to light. When exposed to any light source—be it pure Alfheim Light or a mundane illumination—Rainbow Glass reflects a chromakopia of vibrant colors on its opposite side. The interplay of light and color is so intense that it creates breathtaking visual effects, making Rainbow Glass a sought-after material for art, architecture, and mystical constructs.

1. Stained Glass Designs: Intricate designs are etched or embedded into Rainbow Glass, resulting in vivid imagery when illuminated. These designs are often used in temples, palaces, and spacecraft to create mesmerizing, living art that shifts with the angle and intensity of the light.
2. Nighttime Display: Rainbow Glass naturally absorbs and stores small amounts of light over time, enabling it to emit a soft, colorful glow even in darkness. This property, known as Radiant Retention, makes it ideal for decorations or symbols meant to shine continuously, day or night.
3. Magical Constructs: Some mages and engineers use Rainbow Glass in energy systems or ritualistic settings, leveraging its ability to channel and amplify light in visually spectacular ways.