Caldrite
The shining crystalline ore sparkled and reflected the light from above. He stares at the colors changing is the move in an almost hypnotic pattern. The tell-tale warmth of the ore feeling comfortable in his hands. This was his lucky day, to find this piece digging in his backyard. This could change is families fortune if there was more to be found. The guild dealer had offered him only about half of what his land was worth now. No way would he sell to them for what they were offering him now. Shooting pain in his back suddenly rocked him forward as he saw a splash of red on the rock he held. Looking down he notices the arrow now sticking out his abdomen. Dropping to his knees, he now smells the smoke and with his remaining strength turns to see his house burning and men in black start nailing the doors and windows shut, as the roar of the fire begins to drown out the screams from inside. The world slowly fades to black as he collapsed to the ground....- A Bard's tale of woe for the poor farmer
Properties
Material Characteristics
Raw Caldrite is color-shifting crystalline metal ore.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Smooth to the touch, warm when held, but doesn't radiate heat.
Geology & Geography
The largest veins are found a kilometer or more beneath the surface but have been difficult to get at safely. The veins found that deep has been estimated to be worth millions in gold if they could be recovered. However, smaller pockets are found nearer to the surface. These pockets value ranges from a few thousand golds worth to the largest surface pocket being worth about ~100,000 gold. Caldrite has been found in all parts of Rinas and speculated to be found all over the world.
Origin & Source
Caldrite has no purification process to remove it from ore. It is found naturally in crystal formations found deep beneath the ground. It can often be found attached to other raw ores and minerals, but there is no known explanation as to why this happens.
History & Usage
Discovery
The first recording of the ore now known as Caldrite was recorded by an Elven Taskmaster at Lithsari Mining Camp around 1806 AC. Slave diggers excavating a new tunnel in the mine discover a large iron deposit, this deposit is partially buried under a large crystalline formation. Samples are taken and brought to the Conclave's scholars to investigate its properties.
Everyday use
The common use of Caldrite is multifaceted. Even though the pockets are rare, processed its usability stretches.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Caldrite has become of major significance to all cultures on Rinas. It is used to strengthen and/or enhance everyday items to make work easier and more efficient as well as used in many arcane applications.
Refinement
In its base form, it can be used for focal points in items like wands, rings, amulets, and crowns. However, once you melt Caldrite down, it has a few strange properties that increase its usefulness. When smelted, Caldrite stays as a soft liquid material permanently until reheated again. Smelted, the base volume of Caldrite also seems to increase, up to 10x its original mass. No one is quite sure how this happens, but scholars believe it has to do with Caldrite ability to absorb Aether.
Manufacturing & Products
The solid form of Caldrite is commonly used in the creation of arcane wands, staves, and jewelry. The solid form can also be added to already forged magical items to enchant them further, manipulating or adding properties to the item. The malleable liquid form of Caldrite is used to reinforce tools, weapons, and armor. This reinforcement can then be enchanted with properties the owner wished to be added by a professional.
Reusability & Recycling
Caldrite in solid form can not be reused once it has been joined to an item, however, it can be melted down into the liquid form. Recovering the malleable liquid use and melting the solid for reuse will destroy the item it was used to enhance. The melted Caldrite loses its previous enhancements but can now be used again as if new.
Distribution
Trade & Market
The market trade in Caldrite is fierce due to his steep value. Most mines are controlled by various governments or trade guilds and they protect these assets with extreme violence. A Citizen who has struck Caldrite on their land has even been known to be swindled out of their property or even murdered and vanished by the operatives of various governments or guilds to claim the land for themselves with the least amount of cost to them.
Law & Regulation
Due to Caldrite's connection to Aether and arcane magics, the Otemus Arcanium always has a representative at any mine or trade guild that deals in Caldrite. Unrefined Caldrite is magically marked by the Otemus's representative, the mark however can only be identified on unrefined Caldrite. The representative keeps meticulous records of yields, sales, and uses of all Caldrite. As meticulous as they are, some Caldrite still finds its way onto the black markets. The punishment for being caught illegally selling/buying Caldrite is life in prison.
Type
Metamaterial
Value
~500 gp/per kg
Rarity
Rare
Color
Varies
Melting / Freezing Point
Melting point of 2250°
Density
12.3 g/cm³
Common State
Solid
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