Dark Cobalt

To the untrained eye, this metal appears to be normal cobalt. However as it's name suggests it is darker and almost black. It has been found to have useful properties in magical devices making it valuable and useful if refined correctly. Unfortunately this refinement process involves necromantic magic making buyers, users, and authorities uncomfortable.

Properties

Geology & Geography

The highest concentrations of Dark Cobalt are found in the foothills of mountains, but significant deposits have been known to be found in the Roxforte Mountains.

History & Usage

History

Necromancers are often associated with the substance due to the refining process, and indeed many necromancers have attempted to use large quantities as part of phylacteries. Because of this strong association with the undead most people are put off by the substance, despite its many practical uses.

Refinement

Raw dark cobalt is not particularly useful on its own. The ore needs to be heated and melted at high temperatures with some wards in place to prevent the innate magic from dissipating and a spell that normally animates dead bones is used to activate and separate it from the impurities of the ore.

Manufacturing & Products

The refined form is often used as a cheaper alternative in the crafting of wearable magic items for its conductive properties. It is also not obvious in such items if Dark Cobalt is in them as that would likely bring down the asking price of the item.
It is also used in many channeling implements to help direct the flow of magic.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Most of the mining occurs in or around the Roxforte Mountains, with the industrious dwarves of the Grimtol Strongholds refining the majority of the substance.

Law & Regulation

Some cities have outright banned the substance, but the regulation is often overlooked, forgotten, and difficult to enforce properly without a thorough examination of every item. When this is enforced the authorities simply confiscate any and all magical objects under the guise of preventing unsanctioned necromancy.

Type

Metal