Anthenium

One of the rarest and most precious minerals in Vecrona, anthenium is a gem-like stone used by the Celestial Courts and found almost exclusively in the remnants of celestial settlements.
The mineral is one of the best conductors of arcane energies known to the empire, and is theoretically a potent catalyst for enchanting items. While this and other uses are theorized, lack of access to raw anthenium ore has led the Arcane Council to repeatedly disallow any and all experimentation on the subject.¹
While originally thought to be a material of celestial fabrication, the recent discovery of a deposit of anthenium ore has led scholars to conclude that it is a naturally occurring (though legendarily rare) mineral.

Properties

Origin & Source

Anthenium was originally thought to be artificial in origin, as the only known samples were carved and/or polished gemstones found in abandoned ruins of the Celestial Court, leading scholars to believe that the crystal was an artificial creation of ancient celestial artificers; however, in the year 2714², a small deposit was found deep within the Red Mountains (a region not known to have been settled by the Celestials). This discovery led to a massive influx of miners and prospectors to the area, though the absence of any additional discoveries means academics have returned their attentions to devising some means of fabricating the substance.

History & Usage

Discovery

Anthium gems have been mainly found embedded in celestial artworks, both enchanted and mundane, though there is a single documented case of natural anthium ore.

Everyday use

The few celestial relics known to be embedded with anthenium crystals are either potent magical items or masterfully crafted³ works of art; all of these items are currently in the possession of the Academy Arcane and are treated as national treasures.³

Refinement

The only known sample of anthenium ore amounts to less than one kilo of mineral, and any attempts to refine the material have been indefinitely prohibited by the Arcane Council until more of the raw mineral is discovered or until historical records can be found that indicate a safe process to refine the mineral.

Anya, this first draft is nearly perfect. Please see my notations and make adjustments, and I think this article could find its way into the official records.

— Prof. Steelfist

Type

Ore/Mineral

Taste

Mildly salty⁴

Color

Slightly iridescent aquamarine

Common State

Refined gemstones (commonly) or mineral ore (rarely)

Related Species

• The Celestial Court

¹Yes, and don't think I haven't seen the requests you keep submitting. Stay on my good side, and you'll be at the top of the list when experimentation is permitted, but not a moment before.
²Please include a reference number for the article.
³"Masterfully crafted" and "national treasures" are highly subjective phrases. Please use more academic language in the future.
⁴Please do not lick priceless historical relics.