Prismatic Gems

"In a way, these prismatic gems parallel Revne's own history. A mysterious appearance amidst a humble beginning. A meteoric rise and a tumultuous collapse. But when the morning light breaks through and catches the edge of one of these stones just right, you can see the same flicker of hope refracting within the gem, painting the world in brighter colors than the day before. Likewise, we must do the same."

Properties

Material Characteristics

Prismatic gems can include a variety of gemstones, with sapphire, ruby, emerald, diamond, topaz, and amethyst considered the most potent. At first glance they may not appear particularly unique in comparison to their gemstone counterparts, but a knowing eye can identify the qualifications of a prismatic gem with ease.

Physical & Chemical Properties

What separates a prismatic gem from their more benign counterpart is not the quality of the gem, but instead the internal clarity of the gem as well as its innate ability to catch and refract light. When magically fused with threads of the Weave, these same properties allow the gem to enhance and refract magic most effectively.

Geology & Geography

Prismatic gems can be found in quite rare quantities in most mineral quarries, but are available in great abundance within the Eledest Mountains more so than anywhere else in the known realm.

History & Usage

History

First discovered during the Age of Clans, the gems immediately held inherent value as beautiful stones of stunning clarity. It was not until the Age of Kings, however, in which Merkare's research catapulted the prismatic gems into the upper echelon of premier crafting material. Throughout the Age of Kings and the Age of Emporers, the prismatic gems served as the cornerstone of the region's economy as a major export.
Following the Shrouding, the market quickly became oversaturated and thus the value of the prismatic gems plummeted, leaving those whose livelihoods relied on the material as a trade good in a difficult position.
Only recently, the prismatic gems have returned to an in-demand resource as the technological advances of Chalon become increasingly dependent on their ability to store and harness energy efficiently.

Discovery

The gems were first discovered in small quantities by Clan Copperfury in the Erzedest Mountains. Expansions of the excavations expanded over the next century, spreading northward to the snowcapped peaks of the Eledest Mountains in the territory controlled by Clan Warbrand. Within these treacherous caverns, rich veins of the prismatic gems were discovered in great supply.
This secondary discovery proved a pivoting point for the region. Within a decade, the dwarves entirely subjugated the nomadic orcish tribes in the surrounding mountains, leading to a massive increase in the productivity of the mines. Shortly thereafter, the human populations of Aerona and Sulwyn both began periods of rapid expansion as Revne's collective prominence grew. This initial surge of wealth and economic competition, many historians agree, served as the catalyst for the First King's War.

Everyday use

Most typically, the prismatic gems served as enchantments for adventuring equipment, magical focuses, and other powerful artifacts. Only recently has their purpose expanded to the tools of convenience and luxury afforded to the wealthy elite of Chalon's nobility.

Industrial Use

Within the walls of Chalon, gnomes have recently discovered methods in which to imbue the gems with pure energy in the place of magical enchantments, which allows for many of the technological advancements within the city.

Refinement

During the refinement process, the gems are cut to a standardized shape and size so as to maximize their ability to maintain enchantments and fit into modular slots regardless of the particular piece of equipment.

Type

Ore/Mineral