Glacite (GLAY-see-Eyt)

Better known by the common term "Enchanted Ice", Glacite is a material commonly found in the frozen northern regions of Imera. Made from a miraculous combination of the kind of glacial ice that can only be found in the northernmost parts of the world and Aether, Glacite is a highly valued material among the Frost Elves, who often use it as a key material in the creation of weapons, armour, magic items, and art. It's thanks to this material that the Frost Elf kingdom of Yserea was able to become one of the dominant powers of the north, and it continues to play a key role in a number of aspects of their lives and industry.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Glacite has a deep, icy blue colour, and has a smooth, glassy texture.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Being a mix of Aether and ice, Glacite has a strong  ability to channel ice magic, and items crafted from the material are noted to remain cold regardless of the surrounding environment. Additionally, Glacite has a hardness just below that of steel.

Geology & Geography

Glacite is found throughout the furthest reaches of northern Imera.

History & Usage

Discovery

Glacite was first discovered some time after the fall of Ithyria by Frost Elf rangers scouting their territories.

Everyday use

Glacite is most commonly used as a material in the creation of weapons and armour, as well as magic focuses and high-value jewellery.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Glacite has become emblematic of the Frost Elves, who use it in many of their finest works in much the same way Ithyrian Silver is used by their southern cousins. Interestingly, some Snow Kobolds warrens that were fortunate enough be either near, or on top of, any deposits of Glacite (which they refer to as "Gleam-Ice") have developed a certain reverence for the material, often reserving its use for their mages and leaders, or trading it with the Frost Elves for resources.

Industrial Use

When used in weapon and armour smithing, Glacite is often combined with metals like Ithyrian Silver.

Refinement

Since its almost as hard as steel, and thus very difficult to cut, Glacite must be "shaped" through the usage of magic.

Hazards

The greatest dangers surrounding Glacite lie in the process of acquiring it. The places where the material most commonly forms tend to be remote and difficult to reach, with the majority of Glacite being located in the Frost Elf lands bordering the Frozen Wastes, a vast expanse of ice and snow where even the Frost Elves hesitate to go. The difficulties this presents towards efforts to gather the material, combined with its rarity, has been a great influence on its value.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Glacite is sold among the Frost Elves as a high-grade crafting material, only really affordable by wealthy craftsfolk.

Type

Mineral

Rarity

Rare

Color

Deep, icy-blue

Common State

Crystalline