Esperite

Esperite is a type of gemstone found throughout the world. Unlike most gemstones, Esperite presents in a myriad of colors, typically blue, purple, orange, and yellow. For still unknown reasons, this is the gemstone that is most efficient at absorbing and holding Aether. Most Esperite is found already containing a slight natural glow from trapped Aether. These gemstones are made into Aethershards through a series of complex enchantments, and by cutting into multi-faceted crystalline shapes. A well made Aethershard can hold immense amounts of Aether relative to its size, and as such the Esperite that is used to make them is highly coveted. Geologists have long been puzzled by the gems, unable to determine a geological condition that creates them. Esperite is found throughout the world, both above and below the surface, in hot, cold, or moderate climates. The only consistency in their distribution is that they are always found in geologically or meteorologically tumultuous areas, where there is often a much higher presence of elementals. Some examples of these tumultuous areas are volcanos, sea caves with powerful tides, or locations with high seismic activity. Esperite is an extremely valuable commodity, due to its ability to be fashion into Aethershards, and its increasing demand (and resultant rarity). Due to the dangerous locations they are often found in, and the presence of elemental near them, Esperite mining is an inherently dangerous occupation requiring both miners and mercenaries.