Barradite

A type of ore that, when broken, dust fills the air and often contaminates the skin, resulting in lesions and boils where affected. The ore continues to exude this gas, appearing as wisps of green smoke, until refined into bars, making even the latter an extreme difficulty and hazard to health. While mining presents its own problems, how deep mines must go before they strike its riches only compounds on the dangers faced.

Properties

Material Characteristics

The ore often forms in egg like formations with rounded tops and flat bases, but when cracked into, it offers a glassy, extremely deep burgundy color, almost to the point of being black. A bright light needs to be shined through it to bring out the red hue.

Compounds

When mixed with steel (at a ratio of 1 cup of melted steel for every 2 cups of melted Barradite) it forms Barradium ingots

History & Usage

Everyday use

Although a bit weighty, it is incredibly dense when made into ingots, making transport all the easier. It is considered ideal for weapon creation, from slender, crooked knives to hulking great axes and also makes for incredibly durable and flexible heavy armor.

Refinement

Barradite requires a smelting and refining process that involves melting down the ore and adding steel at a rate of 1 cup per 2 cups of Barradite. This is done to fortify the ingots, as otherwise, Barradium on its own is brittle and capable of being shattered.

Hazards

Barradite ore is surprisingly brittle given its dense and sturdy nature when properly smelted.  This makes the surrounding area of the mines prone to cave ins that, even when survived, is a hotbed for its toxic chemicals.
When the original node is broken, akin to cracking a geode, a foul smelling gas will enter the air and infect the skin of those it touches. It's not instant, but after a day, rashes will begin to form and then lesions, which can lead to infection and other bodily harm. This ceases when refined into ingots, but remains up until the product is smelted, at which point it releases a steaming hiss while being turned to liquid.

Distribution

Law & Regulation

Barradite and Barradium ingots are illegal in most civil markets because of the dangers to mine, smelt, and refine. No reasonable person would take part in the process, and so many are forced to, often through slavery. These slaves are mostly neglected and forced to work long, unreasonable hours, resulting in many dying due to the effects, cave ins, or general maltreatment.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Rarity

Because of how difficult it is to get and the sacrifices necessary, it is rather rare.

Odor

It has an odor akin to gasoline, but loses this property after being refined into ingots.

Color

The ore is black, but the stones inside offer the most subtle burgundy.

Density

Quite

Common State

A hard, dense solid.