Primeval Elements

The Primeval elements originally referred to forces which were proposed to explain the nature and complexity of all matter in terms of simpler substances. Now they refer to specific powers that creatures, spells, or techniques are attuned to. Ancient cultures throughout the world had similar lists developed by the mage culture of those times. In the lead up to the modern age, as understanding of nature and magic has changed, elements have been added and even removed from the system.

The history of the elements began with primitive societies that discovered native minerals like carbon, sulfur, copper and gold. Attempts to classify materials such as these resulted in the concepts of everything being made of pure elements like water, fire, air, and earth. Eventually there was a split between these ideas within academia: the more recent idea became the alchemical elements developed from the work of Ivano Mendeleaf, a alchemist who published the first recognizable periodic table in 2869. Those who still held on the belief of the ancients eventually adapted the original idea to instead be "manifestations of the power of nature" instead of being created from them. These became the primeval elements that your's truly dedicate their lives to understanding the interactions and applications of this magical power.

Sapphire Akasha

Manifestation

The elements recognized by the ancient system of primeval magic include:
Earth: Stable and resilient, Earth is the element of solidity and support. Users attuned to this magic power can create, shape and manipulate earth and "earthen" elements, specifically all minerals and mineral compositions regardless of their state (mountain, boulder, sand or dust), dirt, soil, etc. Earth magic draws on the power and energy within the land itself, embodying the enduring strength of stone and the vibrant energy of new life. This source of magic is normally strongest deep underground or in the heart of a forest. It's generally represented as by either the colors green, brown, orange, tan, or yellow (the latter four especially if actual earth is distinguished from plants or other stuff). This is the "element" corresponding to the solid state.
Fire: Fire is a form of light, heat, comfort, purification, and even rebirth. On the flip side, it's also wild, unpredictable,  destruction; a primal force of nature. The attuned can generate, shape, and manipulate fire, the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products, flame being the visible portion of the fire. Depending on the substances alight, and any impurities outside, the color of the flame and the fire's intensity will be different. The attuned can also completely control the temperature of the fire at will. Usually associated with the color red, even though actual flame is naturally more orange in color, if not outright gold or yellow. This is the "element" corresponding to either the plasma state or to heat energy.
Air/Wind: The element of change and movement; unpredictably calm one moment and flying into a tempest the next. The quickest of the primevals, but sometimes seen as physically fragile or lacking in raw strength. Therefore, what it lacks in raw power it makes up for in offensive and defensive maneuvers. Green is often used to represent it, but it's also fairly common to see yellow, light blue, purple, and white. Air typically corresponds to the gaseous state.
Water: The element of change and adaptability; capable of taking any form. Water is pretty much always seen positively, symbolizing healing, adaptability, and calm. While Earth is strong and solid and Air is weak but fluid, Water is both strong and fluid, but not to the same extent as the other two. This is analogous to the liquid state of matter, insofar as liquids have a definite volume as solids do, but lack a definite form just like gasses. Usually depicted as blue or cyan. Although not thought of as much of a combat power, when roused a Water mage can be unstoppable and unpredictable.

Type

Metaphysical, Elemental