Borialite

Borialite is a translucent crystal that comes in both a light blue and lavender color. Rare specimens can be found with a swirling mix of the two colors instead of being one solid hue. Despite occurring within Omari since its creation, it was only within recent years that scientists and mages managed to extract the stored power from within the crystal.

Properties

Material Characteristics

It is a clear crystal typically found in light shades of blue or purple, rarely both. Most specimens are formed in pointed clusters of three to six with varying sizes depending on the crystal's origin location. It is a sturdy crystal that is lightweight and produces a faint glow from within, matching its color.

Geology & Geography

Borialite is more common  than initially thought. It can be found in caves and mountains on all of Omari's islands. Most clusters form deeper underground, but there have been discoveries of clusters on the surface of high peaks. Omari, the main central island, holds the highest reported cluster groups out of all the islands.

Life & Expiration

It is a stable material with a long magical shelf life. So far observed specimens maintain their magical charge as long as they are not broken or destroyed. They have not been used long enough as a power source to note any definitive "expiration date".

History & Usage

History

When Omari's inhabitants first stumbled upon this crystal, they weren't aware of electricity and other power sources; their technology was fairly simple. Most used it for jewelry or a pretty decoration as the soft glow of light it emits can add a calming aura to any room. It wasn't until the start of the Prismatic Era that people discovered it could be used to power their new technology.

Discovery

The first specimens were discovered as early as the fifth year when Omari's inhabitants were comfortable enough to explore more of their gifted lands. The discovery of its stored power potential didn't happen until the year 703 by a gnome artificer named Capni Verril.

Everyday use

It is now used more commonly as a portable power source. People still used it for decoration and jewelry.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Uxali and moon worshipers in general like to have specimens carved into a crescent moon or small phoenix shape. Those seeking to appeal to their favored god or wishing to bring luck into their lives wait for a full moon to bring out their favorite crystal (if they own more than one) and charge it in the moon light. Some devout followers make an annual trip to Uxali's Shrine on Crescent Isle to charge all the crystals they own and the make an offering.

Industrial Use

To make the crystals more portable and easier to fit, skilled workers shape them into spheres or cubes depending on the customer's needs.

Refinement

It can be used in its normal state. Any crystals that have broken can be saved to grind to a fine, sparkling powder to use in different art forms as a way to re-purpose the material.

Environmental Impact

For the time being, borialite is abundant enough that there have been no adverse impacts from mining it. Oizai leaders do suggest people take care not to completely deplete underground veins to help maintain tunnel/cave structure. It has been observed to regrow within a 15 year span making it easier to maintain balance compared to slow forming and finite materials.

Reusability & Recycling

If broken/shattered the crystal shards are either ground to dust for art/jewelry use. The shards can also be used as is for mosaic-like pieces.

Distribution

Trade & Market

In the beginning many people found their own crystals for free. Now that it can be used for a power source, there have been a few mining companies that bought out caves and mountain sides to make their private source so they can sell to various tech and magic companies. It can be found in the shops of larger towns / cities across all the islands.

Storage

It doesn't need any special storage.

Law & Regulation

There is a preservation law to keep the mining companies in check in order to make sure they don't completely deplete veins in the name of profit.

Blte

Type

Ore/Mineral

Rarity

Common

Color

Light blue, lavender, or a rare mix of both.

Common State

Solid