Mithral (Myth-rawl)

Mithral is renowned for two things: it's strength-to-weight ratio and its ability to conduct magic. In regards to the former, forged mithral is as strong as steel but a fraction of the weight, making it an excellent material for weapons and armor. It is also more flexible than iron or steel, allowing it to be more intricately shaped, which in turn allows for perfectly interlocking pieces that allow for quieter movement when wearing armor made of the stuff.
Far more interestingly to wizards, artificers, and craftsmen is mithral's innate ability to hold magic. Enchantments and spells take to it like no other material and the vast majority of the most powerful magical artifacts to ever grace the world had mithral at their core. For a real world comparison, using mithral for enchantment is like using silver for conducting electricity: more efficient than copper but also far rarer.
Lastly, mithral is numbered among iron, nickel, and cobalt as one of the few minerals on the planet that are magnetic in nature.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Mithral superficially resembles polished silver, but even in natural veins, it is shimmery and reflective. While it can accrue dust and debris like any other material, the metal itself seems to never tarnish.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Mithral is an excellent conductor of energy and heat and has a relatively low melting point compared to other metals. It must be forged and shaped in a pure form though, as alloying it with other materials seems to exponentially diminish its properties.

Geology & Geography

Mithral is found in greatest abundance deep beneath ancient mountains or other areas of tectonic activity. In rare cases, a vein can be found close to the surface. The most notable example of this is the Mithral Spire in Kentro, which is the only known instance of a mithral vein protruding beyond the surface.

Type

Metal

Color

silvery-white