Aramrock
Properties
Material Characteristics
A chalky substance, Aramrock isn't overly hard and while it will hold its shape against most environmental pressures, such as wind or rain, it can be crushed in a hand with little force. Identified by its obvious blue and yellow veined colouration, Aramrock in its raw form is readily identifiable by any mage with some semblance of formal education.
Geology & Geography
Aramrock is a naturally occurring aether-rich limestone deposit, commonly found at the edges of ancient seabeds, and exists in a category somewhere in between rock and living matter, considered a "composite" by most mages studying the phenomenon. Only living matter is part of the aether, but Aramrock is formed at locations where extreme magic, and therefore the death of living matter, once took place. Current harvesting locations include Death's Gap, a dune-like feature on the northern edge of the Almusian continent, and somewhere in the Enthar Empire, although the mageoacracy there is very secretive of its location. It is believed to be located near Kevvox, the Shiften prison, and the detainees labour used in the processing of the substances.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Aramrock functions well as a magical conduit, and it is most often used to create chalk for use in long-term or permanent castings. Aramrock can be infused into magical constructions, however its chalky, soft texture doesn't lead itself to being the most reliable of materials in construction.
Cultural Significance and Usage
In South Enthar, Aramrock has a long history of usage as a base for the temporary markings the clansfolk sport in their oasis settlements. The Roamers and Redspears have since brought back the knowledge that Aramrock can be traded for exorbitant prices, and so the practice has changed to using less Aramrock, and more of the natural ochre found in their desert home, but the bright blue and yellow of Aramrock cannot be recreated in ochre, and so some of the practice remains for clan chiefs or wives.
Type
Ore/Mineral
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There are two aspects of your article that I really like! 1) You've elevated a material once thought only useful for a cultural tradition to something arcane. 2) Your article leaves open what happens next. The change in value has the potential to create conflict, possibly within the tribe, or disruption of their traditional ways. A sudden increase in wealth can do strange things to a society!