Ayora Magical Crystals

The crystals in Ayora are powerful magical objects. They have different metaphysical properties. For example, a rose quartz aids in love spells. Greta's knitting needles are capped with crystals to aid in her spellwork. She does magic through knitting, although she is capable of magic without knitting. The people who own a crystal are in the minority, as crystals are rare and expensive.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Crystals in Ayora are found in 3-dimensional geometric shapes. They can be cut and polished into nearly any shape the holder desires, focusing the magic still further.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Some crystals are warm to the touch, some are cool. Others only warm or cool when the person they match with holds them.

Compounds

Many magical spells use crystals as an ingredient. The crystal itself contains magic that, when combined with the other ingredients and the right intention, lends itself to powerful spells. Crystals are also carried for protection and to attract friends and lovers, as well as to boost self-confidence and happiness.

Geology & Geography

Crystals are found underground, typically discovered in caves in the mountains. People all over Ayora mine for crystals and it can be a profitable career but it is sometimes frowned upon due to the myth of The Last Crystal.

Origin & Source

Crystals are formed deep underground from high pressure and temperatures changing rocks, from magma cooling and forming crystals, or from precipitation.

Life & Expiration

Crystals can last forever and be passed down for generations if well cared for. The magic within the crystal deteriorates over time and with heavy usage. Crystals can be recharged with magic by either burying them in the earth for a year or submerging them in a running mountain stream for a month.

History & Usage

History

Indigenous people have been finding, hunting, and using crystals throughout recorded history, verbal and written.

Everyday use

Common uses include magical rituals and wearing on one's person for various reasons.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Nearly everyone who can find or afford a crystal will wear one for various purposes. Witches tend to use them for their ritual purposes.

Refinement

Some polishing is desired by some users but others prefer crystals in their raw state. Cutting and polishing a crystal can change its magical properties.

Manufacturing & Products

Many people use them as wands. Necklaces can be made out of them, including clever little cages where you can exchange which crystal you're wearing within it. All kinds of jewelry is made from crystals.

Hazards

It can be hazardous to search for crystals due to inexperience with caves or due to caves collapsing when digging.

Environmental Impact

Some of the richest crystal formations are deep underground in the mountains on the continent of Eimand. Crystal mining companies dynamite large portions of the mountain to get at the crystals. This is actually changing the weather on both the east and west sides of the mountain.

Reusability & Recycling

Crystals are extremely reusable. People like to give them as gifts. It is considered an honor to receive a crystal someone else has already used.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Crystals are sold in markets all over Ayora. Their legitimacy should be questioned, as fakes have been sold to hapless buyers. It is better to buy from a reputable dealer. Dealers can be found in most major cities. Crystals are considered a luxury.

Type

Rock

Value

Very valuable, depending on the type of crystal

Rarity

Varies

Odor

Crystals give off a faint odor of sulfur

Taste

Like minerals and the earth

Color

Many different colors

Boiling / Condensation Point

Only dragons are capable of boiling crystals

Melting / Freezing Point

Dragon's fire

Density

Varies depending on the crystal

Common State

Solid