Keetrock
Keetrock is an industrially important mineral found in greatest abundance on Aktergea. Originally known as "melting dust", the dangers inherent in handling many of its compounds led it to be called "keetrock" in comparison to keets, which are ordinarily docile but secrete an oily substance that can give severe burns to anyone foolish enough to meddle with them.
Properties
Geology & Geography
While keetrock deposits exist throughout the Cluster Islands, nowhere is it more plentiful than in Aktergea's volcanic peak. The hazards of that environment, however, make it too risky to mine directly.
History & Usage
Discovery
Akterga was first visited by a speculation fleet in 9713 Oce (-136 Vol). When rock samples gathered from the island were tested for composition, a previously unknown substance was detected. Further experimentation led to its use in purifying ores, and the first mining expedition landed in 9810 Oce (-39 Vol).
Everyday use
Keetrock in its crystalline form has been used as an ornamental stone.
Cultural Significance and Usage
With a history more than 1500 years long, the Aktergean lumber camps have developed a lifestyle that revolves around the harvesting of keetwood.
Industrial Use
Keetrock is used in metallurgy and glasswork.
Refinement
Water taken in through keetwood roots is filtered on its way up the tree, concentrating keetrock in the wood. Mature trees are harvested and processed, separating the mineral from the pulp.
Byproducts & Sideproducts
The sawdust from keetwood logging can be ground into a fine powder that, when consumed as a suspension, has an effect similar to drinking Aktergea's water. It has also recently become the subject of medical research, as a potential treatment for chronic pain.
Hazards
Although keetrock is stable as a mineral, in its pure form it is a gas that reacts explosively with almost any other substance. It also makes a highly corrosive acid.
Distribution
Trade & Market
The keetwood logging camps sell cut trees directly to the refinery, which distills the useful compounds out of the wood and transports them to Mraydor.
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