Apolumite

Apolumite is a gemstone native to the Lyfeldean kingdom of Okmalu, which the locals often refer to as "the lightning stone".

Properties

Material Characteristics

In appearance, apolumite very closely resembles opals. However, apolumite appears to have "clusters of stars" trapped beneath the surface, which gives rise to luminescent white specks within swirling myriads of colour. It is said by the fae folk of Okmalu that the stones resemble the stars as they have fallen from the Realm of the Deities to protect the people of Lyfeldea from their wrath. If the "stars" within the apolumite lose their lustre, the gemstone is considered to be devoid of its protective abilities.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The surface of apolumite is naturally smooth, as it is formed beneath the water which acts as a natural polisher of the mineral, though it can form in irregular clusters, though these will still be smooth across the sides of the cluster. It is of a similar hardness to quartz and topaz, with it being durable as an amulet and unable to be scratched easily by blades, but soft enough to be fashioned into jewellery. The crystal has a high-water content, which is responsible for giving its colours a swirling appearance, as if there is a galaxy spiralling right inside the gem itself.

Geology & Geography

Apolumite is found only in the cave networks of Okmalu, in places where there is water present and penetration of light from surface holes in the caves. It is believed that formation of the gemstone requires the night sky to be reflected upon the surface of water, so that the Heavens can be illuminated and reflected into the crystals that form beneath the surface of the water. The fae folk of the Cave Tribe are the sole miners of Apolumite.

History & Usage

History

Since the Dark Storm has plagued Okmalu and its residents, new apolumite has not been mined in over a hundred years, as many of the people have fallen into a deep, dreaming slumber and have not been able to wake up. Many believe that the deities have placed a curse on the apolumite deposits and want the Okmalu people to repent for their sins in avoiding their wrath.

Discovery

Apolumite was discovered by fae in the kingdom of Okmalu.

Everyday use

Apolumite has distinct protective properties that are particularly useful to those who reside in Okmalu, which is known as the Kingdom of Storms. Apolumite has the ability to attract bolts of lightning towards it and siphon the energy into the gemstone itself to protect the one holding it from harm. For this reason, every citizen of Okmalu is given an apolumite amulet at birth to protect them. Visitors to the kingdom are also advised to travel through one of the checkpoints at the borders of the kingdom, so that they may receive a "visitation amulet". These amulets are protected by ancient runes that ensure they are not able to pass over the boundaries of the kingdom. Wealthy citizens of Okmalu generally invest in a number of jewellery pieces containing apolumite, so that they can exude an aura of luxury and class without having to wear the generic amulet all the time. For reasons unknown, the protective properties of apolumite only apply to enviornmental lightning (in Okmalu culture, they refer to this as lightning that has been sent down from the Heavens in moments of the gods' wrath), and does not function to protect one from the effects of elemental lightning magic.  In addition to protecting the people of Okmalu from the incessant storms that rage through their kingdom, apolumite is also said to be a stone of mastery, being capable of amplifying elemental lightning magic and stabilising one's emotions.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Apolumite is illegal to be traded or sold outside of Okmalu.

Law & Regulation

Since its discovery, apolumite has been one of the most highly-guarded secrets of Okmalu. It is considered a crime to circulate the stone, or any item containing apolumite, outside the borders of Okmalu.

Type

Mineral

Color

Rainbow with iridescent white flecks

Common State

Solid

Related Locations

• Okmalu