Glühkristall
(German) Glow Crystal
Glühkristall (in Elemental) is an manufactured mineral from the Ancient Era. While in close proximity of a lifeform, the crystal emits an eerie blue glow.
The modern world is unaware of its artificial nature so it is mined from the world instead. Due to its relative scarcity, there are only a few artisans that are capable of repurposing a harvested crystal without destroying its luminescent property.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Each Glühkristall is a smooth sided hexoctahedron appears to be a transluscent pastel green. Upon closer inspection, it crystal emits an eerie blue glow.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Glühkristall is a relatively soft material (Moh's Hardness: 4). The crystals scratch easily and they can be ground into a fine powder; however, the powder does not retain the luminescent behaviour of the original crystal. It is non-soluble In either crystalline or powdered form except at high temperatures with strong acids.
Geology & Geography
Glühkristall is most abundant within Kaynağı Toprak and the other ancestral homes of the Elementals. However, as a result of Müthiş Savaş, it can be found throughout Olutanri.
Origin & Source
History & Usage
History
Ancient Era
The Bauen incorporated glühkristall as lightsources within their mines and buildings.
During Müthiş Savaş - The 999 Year War, the Brucaire incorporated glühkristall into military tools, armour, and weapons. The crystals would act as light sources, communication devices, and quick identifiers for friendly troops or the living from the dead.
Current Era
The earliest known use of the mineral since Müthiş Savaş comes from the region near Botvik. A coastal cave containing a shrine before a large glühkristall was discovered, suggesting religious signficance.
The mineral was supposedly used medicinally when a fist-sized crystal was found amoung the decayed remains of a healer and the equally decrepit corpses of a village entombed within a longhouse near Fellistad.
Currently glühkristall is a cherished as a status symbol by the economically prosperous. A piece of jewelry becomes a family heirloom if it has a small crystal as its centerpiece. A ceremonial dagger may have one set into its pommel.
The most ostentatious displays of glühkristall are unquestionably the conjurations of the Barnema Trade Company within the prow of their flagship, definitely named after the blood of countless slaves killed within its hull.] De Vuile Riem.
Distribution
Law & Regulation
The Barnema Trade Company has a loose regulation regarding raw glühkristall to encourage the general populace to find and report new crystals. More stringent is the creation and ownership of fabricated items, both registration of artisans and their works support a culture of seizing "illegal goods" that are not accompanied by a certificate of ownership.
- Discovery Rights: Although "finders-keepers" is the general premise, there is a standing offer from the Barnema Trade Company for 80% of the crystal's value for all newly acquired crystals - no questions asked.
- Protected Artisianry: All objects crafted with a glühkristall must be produced by an artisan registered with the Barnema Trade Company.
- Certification of Produced Works: Every artisan issues a certificate of ownership for each of their pieces. The certificate documents the number and size of each glühkristall, the fabricated item, the artisan's name, and a registration number. Along with the original owner and estimated valuation, this information is also entered in the creator's ledger and a copy sent to the Barnema Trade Company in Winham.
Type
Ore/Mineral
Value
166,000 gp/lb (10,000 gp for 1" gemstone)
Rarity
Very Rare
Odor
Odorless
Taste
Mildly Bitter
Color
Translucent Pastel Green
Density
199 lb/ft3 (3.18 g/cm3)
Common State
Solid
Related Locations
Related Species
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Comments
Author's Notes