Sun Crystals

Sun Crystals are clear, faceted gems that when exposed to sunlight refract the light into 12 colors.
The Sun Crystals are found in locations where large meteorites have crashed into the ground. Sages have debated as to whether the Sun Crystals are carried to Kyrn my the meteorites, or whether their impact on the ground exposes the crystals. Dwarven sages insist the Sun Crystals do not exist in the ground as their miners would have discovered them, while elven sages believe the Sun Crystals are formed by Anno at the moment of impact as a sign of his power and protection. The gnomes believe the Sun Crystals can only be formed on the sun, and that the meteorites are hollow spheres that are full crystals.
No matter the truth of the matter, when a meteorite crashes nearby it sets of a rush to gather the Sun Crystals. Possession of one of the Sun Crystals is considered a blessing from the Risen, and Anno in particular. As such, the Church of the Light claims ownership over all the crystals, but will reward those that find them and bring them to the Church. Keeping a Sun Crystal without the Church's permission is considered a crime, but few are ever prosecuted as the Church would much rather just purchase them from the finders/owners. Often when a person has collected multiple Sun Crystals, they will be allowed to keep one of the smaller Sun Crystals for themselves as they are seen as being blessed in their ability to find them.
The Church uses the crystals in several ways as part of their rites, rituals and buildings. The medium sized crystals are placed in rods and staves of the clergy for use in ceremonies. As they hold up these rods and staves into the light, the refractions cast their divine light on those nearby. The larger crystals are worked into the construction of the Temples of Light, usually as the centerpiece of the dome over the congregation so as to send the holy light down upon all who worship. In smaller Temples of Light, the crystal may be placed behind and above the podium so that the light shines out from there over the congregation. Th smaller Sun Crystals are given to those that have done a great service to the Church of the Light to represent their accomplishments. These Sun Crystals are often buried with these heroes of the Church to guide them into the Upper Lands and back to Anno.