Vectrium
This grey metal change everything when it came to the production of arcane weapons, armor, and items. The unreliable supply and exorbitant prices of Aetherstone held back not only the marketability of enchanting but slowed down the progress of research into new and better, martial, arcane and technological advancements.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Vectrium is a greyish silver metal that while solid like a metallic ore appears crystalline in the rocks it is found.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Vectrium is a solid metal that properties are much like that of iron when it comes to hardness and being naturally ferrous. However, this material melts at much lower temperatures than iron and more easily malleable. Alchemists believe this mineral is a form of iron transmuted by exposure to Aether at some point.
Vectrium value comes from its availability, price, and Aetherstone-like ability to store Aether, making it a cheaper alternative for midrange to lesser crafts. Unlike Aetherstone however, once the stored power in vectrium is released it takes time to recharge when used with an expendable resource and that time varies based on the size and complexity of the object.
Vectrium however breakdowns and liquifies if it stores an overabundance of Aether, this is why it can not replace Aetherstone for more advanced crafts.
Compounds
Vectron is a simple alloy made with seventy percent composition of vectrium.
Geology & Geography
This material is found in most abundance around mountains and hill areas but has been excavated in nearly any environment around Rinas. Vectrium is found around the same locations and depths as iron ore and usually alongside it.
History & Usage
History
When vectrium was originally discovered it was believed to be crystal and would be discarded as trash. The elves ended up was large stockpiles of this mineral laying around their mines and allowed it to be collected by anyone who wishes to try and do something with it. Blacksmiths were the first to experiment with this new mineral and discover its iron-like properties. They went on to forge weapons and armor that equally compared to the strength of their iron creation originals but weakened in a much shorter time than the standard iron. For a while, it was mostly used as a cheap alternative to iron items and came with a shelf life. More experimentation my some alchemist discovered it held almost the same but lesser ability properties of Aetherstone of being able to hold Aether.
Discovery
There are no surviving records of who originally discovered Vectrium. All that is know is was that it was found sometime in between the sixth and twelfth centuries during the Elven advancement into arcane knowledge.
Everyday use
Commonly vectrium is been used in the creation of everyday magical items and devices by being a cheap replacement for Aetherstone and has become a staple resource for various businesses related to magic.
Refinement
Vectrium is must first be melted down and separated from the surrounding rock it is found within. This refinement also removes all the impurities left within the ore.
Manufacturing & Products
Vectrium is used in the construction of cheaper armor and weapon that match the durability but not the wear of iron. To help to counteract wear flaws the blacksmiths came up with a mix of seventy percent vectrium and thirty percent iron.
Reusability & Recycling
Vectrium can be melted down and used again for multiple purposes. The only exception to its reusability is if it absorbs too much Aether. Vectrium that was broken down and melted from over-absorption will not rebond together in its original state anymore.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Vectrium is easily available at market or trade for modest quantities. The low price and abundance of the material make it easy to come by if needed to be purchased. For large quantities and shipments of the material, however, the buyer will usually need to go through a trade company or foundry to acquire that large a ready supply.
Law & Regulation
Large or irregular shipments of Vectrium must be registered with the trade authority. The versatile use of the material requires some controls on its ownership.
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