Dalzanite

Properties

Material Characteristics

Dalzanite is a mineral that is naturally found in long prismatic structures. Semi-smooth to the touch, its light gray (mildly opalescent) and dense, not translucent at all.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Dalzanite is lightweight, despite its density, and very durable.

Compounds

Dalzanite is commonly used for decorative jewelry. However, it is also used as a material in weapon crafting, useful because if crafted well, can be extremely sharp and deadly, while also being strong and lightweight.

Geology & Geography

Dalzanite is found in abundance throughout most parts of Dalzenia where it occurs in large geodes found in volcanic rock. However, it hasn't been found anywhere else in the world. Many people suspect that this is because of the underwater volcanoes that lie beneath Dalzenia produce a certain chemical that is only natural to that region, causing the crystals to be strong and durable as well as very light.

History & Usage

History

Dalzanite was discovered by Dalzen settlers (hence the name) shortly after northern Dalzenia was being settled. Originally the gemstone was exclusively used to denote authority. Clan chiefs in Northern Dalzenia would fasten pieces of Dalzanite to their clothing or to a staff to show their chiefdom. Later it simply became common to wear a piece of Dalzanite on a necklace or ring to show authority. As time passed, more and more clans stopped using Dalzanite for that reason and instead started using gold. Over time, people stopped using Dalzanite for any kind of social status and it became common. In fact, it wasn't until thousands of years later that weaponsmiths started using it for blade material. It quickly became popular because it was strong and very light, and because of this, Dalzenite became very expensive. Its value skyrocketed, making it one of the most sought after materials in the world. Blacksmiths all over the world were trying to get their hands on some of it and for those that did, they became wealthy. Over the next hundred years, however, it's popularity began to dwindle and it started to disappear from markets and blacksmiths. It became a luxury to those that had it, but overall, people stopped caring for it as much. With the Keepers in power, there were no big wars, no international battles, and so the need for it as a weapon material became less of a demand. It's still in use today in places like Dalzenia and Artesia. It can be found in some exotic markets and specialized gemstone markets, but other than that, Dalzenite is much harder to find now.

Discovery

It was discovered in ancient times by Dalzenian settlers (hence the name).

Everyday use

Dalzanite is most commonly use in jewelry. It is also used in weaponry as a blade, however its popularity as a weapons material has diminished significantly over the decades.

Cultural Significance and Usage

In ancient times, early clans used Dalzanite as a form of social hierarchy. Clan leaders and chieftans commonly used them as a sign of their authority. Among the regions of Dalzenia today, it isn't uncommon to see pieces of Dalzenite used in royal jewelry such as crowns. While today it doesn't hold any significance of authority, some use it as an homage to what it used to represent in times past.

Manufacturing & Products

Fine jewelry, oranments, decorative items, weapons

Distribution

Trade & Market

Dalzanite is sold predominantly throughout the kingdom of Dalzenia where it occurs naturally. It can be found in some markets around the world, however it is much more rare to come across outside of Dalzenia. Inside its country of origin, its a little expensive for middle class citizens, and outside of the country it's a luxury and can be very expensive for all social classes.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Value

Its value is dependent on where it's being sold.

Rarity

Commonly found in Dalzenia, but it occurs nowhere else in the world.

Color

Light grey and mildly opalescent

Common State

Solid