Ellarum
Gilfrost mines have access to a huge number of minerals throughout their massive network of tunnels below the Northern Mountains. However, it is the ellarum mines which are the most prized, being the only known source of the ore. Since no other mountain ranges were formed by the sudden, extreme uplift that the polar range experienced, it is unlikely that other veins of ellarum ore will be found.
Ellarum is used for applications similar to those of iron, but it is stronger, lighter and less brittle. In a process similar to steelmaking, an intermediary material is heated and combined with a type of coal to produce ellarum. (The intermediary material is relatively useless for most applications, being far to malleable to hold its shape well.) Due to the extra processing that ellarum ore requires, a disproportionately large number of the forges of Gilfrost are devoted exclusively to the refinement of this valuable metal.
Almost anything can be made of ellarum, if one is willing to pay the price. Since it is fairly lightweight and incredibly strong, it is commonly used for armor or weapons. Gilfrost produces a majority of these, but they also export a significant amount of the metal to Nard, which also produces armor and weapons, though these are often much more finely worked and often intended more as ceremonial items, though they are sturdy enough to functional as well.
Jewelry is another popular application, since the cost of the material is relatively inexpensive compared to the gemstones that are set in it. The jewelry's value lies not in the amount of ellarum it contains, but rather the incredible detail and delicacy to which the metal lends itself. There are a few jewelers in Gilfrost which produce gorgeous pieces, but a large number of metalsmiths in Nard specialize in ellarum jewelry. Combining the properties of ellarum with the quenching process developed with the waters of Falgjoren Lake allows designs using hair-thin wires and papery metallic sheets.
Although ellarum comes from Gilfrost, the city of Nard relies on its continued import for a majority of its economic activity with other regions. Almost all of Nard's exports are fine ellarum goods, the balance consisting of agricultural products such as wines and grain. During times of war or quarantine, when the import of ellarum was not possible, the city protects its metalworkers through social programs while forbidding the export of food or drink to drive prices lower. When drought or pestilence cause crops to suffer, extra taxes levied against the city's metalworkers ensures a steady supply of grain and meat that is distributed to the farmers and winemakers. By imbuing its citizens with a strong sense of civic duty and interconnectedness in the community, Nard is able to maintain the strength of its people and its defenses when other areas have endured tremendous suffering.
Color
The ore is dark with a silvery sheen, but pure ellarum is so reflective that it appears almost white in bright light.
Density
Ellarum is far less dense than other metals that approach its strength
Common State
Solid