dhamorite

Properties

Material Characteristics

Dhamorite is a semi-translucent solid crystal which forms inside gas pockets deep underground.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Malleable in solid form; can easily be alloyed with metallic elements. Does not break with most impact, favored to alloy with steel and iron in weapons. Allows for lighter weapons with greater strength against breaking and heat.

Compounds

• Paired with steel and iron for weapons
• Paired with gold, copper, and bronze for jewelry
• Can be decoratively set as gemstones; cannot be cut

History & Usage

Discovery

Dhamorite was first discovered in 405 by miners in the Tamori Mines. The mines had been constructed to take advantage of copper and iron deposits in the foothills of the Rair Mountains near Tamor. When the miners broke through into a gas pocket in the rock, they found strange crystalline formations all along the exposed copper vein.

Refinement

To be alloyed with metallic elements, dhamorite must be first pounded into sheets in order to be folded together with heated steel or iron. No known amount of heat can be applied to make dhamorite more flexible, so working with it heated is preferred to more easily introduce elements of its eventual alloy. Metallic hammers cannot be used in this process, as the metal of the hammer may heat up and bond with the dhamorite. Granite, marble and other forms of stone are best for this reason.

Manufacturing & Products

Weapons and armor can be greatly strengthened by the use of dhamorite. Crystal dhamorite is also prized as gemstones in jewelry, especially pendants and larger brooches.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

While dhamorite does not need to be heated to be worked, its co-working with iron and steel results in being repeatedly heated and quenched. The water used for quenching often acquires an amber sheen which can be used to dye fleece and woven fabric and is often referred to as "dhamor dye."

Reusability & Recycling

Due the the rarity of dhamorite, repeated reforging of dhamorite-alloy weapons and armor involves the addition of more iron or steel, which can lessen the strength and durability of the material. The quality of reforged material is frequently suspect and few knowledgeable swordsmen will purchase a second-hand dhamorite blade.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Odor

faintly metallic

Taste

metallic, similar to copper

Color

amber, mostly translucent

Boiling / Condensation Point

unknown

Melting / Freezing Point

unknown; extremely high

Common State

crystalized solid