Windcrystal
The Windcrystals of Azali, more commonly known as just crystals, are magical minerals generated at the highest peaks and caves of Umma. Often found in dragon nests, windcrystals contain condensed air energy that can be manipulated in various ways, such as being processed into a geode. Geodic tech powers much of Laoja's economy.
Naturally occuring windcrystals occur as larger vein crystals or smaller carpet crystals, and in a variety of elemental compositions which affect their appearance and utility.
Properties
Physical & Chemical Properties
Windcrystals vary in color and shape according to their elemental composition. Pure air crystals are white and hard as diamond, with a jagged, trigonal structure. Most fine crystals have tints of other elements, such as water, which produces softer, bluish crystals, or light, which produces flat yellow crystals. Raw crystals are highly reactive and can absord concentrated magic even after forming.
Windcrystals store the condensed energy of Azali in crystalline form and as such have a variety of magical applications.
Most notably, breaking the structure in any way can cause dramatic explosions or outpourings of air. Raw crystals can sometimes be used in this way, but more typically, geodic tech uses geodes, which are formed by melting crystals into a glass. The surface of the glass can then be pierced or manipulated to release controlled jets. In the process of smelting, crystals often absorb the fire element, giving them a red tint and causing them to release heat. The advantage of geodes is that the shape can be adjusted and they are significantly less volatile than raw crystals.
Raw crystals, depending on their size, absorb wind currents and emanate wind in their absence. This is a purer form of magical essence and is preferred for more mystical uses. Attempting to use raw crystals in geodic tech is possible but risky, as excessive force will shatter the crystal entirely.
Geology & Geography
Windcrystals are only found at high altitudes, exposed to the screeching winds of Umma. When the wind forces itself into cracks or beats against a rock face, some of the energy deposits in the form of crystals. On flat surfaces or more open caves, the crystals grow in fine clusters that coat the rock like moss, often called "carpet crystals." Dragons prefer to nest in areas coated with carpet crystals, and their innate magical energy can affect crystals, causing them to change color and properties.
More valuable, however, are crystals that grow inside cracks or narrow openings in spires. These grow much larger, breaking the rock apart in structures known as veins. Vein crystals are the purest air element and can be used in their raw state to power machines or as magical catalysts, unlike carpet crystals which are invariably melted to form geodes.
Type
Ore/Mineral
Color
Varies, commonly white or light blue
Related Technologies
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