Magic Crystals

Magic crystals essentially store different types of magical energy to be used in a large assortment of things. From wands to machinery to transportation, magic crystals are the preferred source of energy throughout Arkhe because they are easily accessible, reusable, and can accommodate pretty much anything across the globe.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Magic crystals look like clear quartz. When they are filled with magical energy, they glow with the color associated with magic they store (for example, blue for water and red for fire). The more magic that's stored within them, the brighter their glow. When they are cut and polished, they can look like and other quartz, but there are specific cuts that optimize the energy storage within the crystals. They vary in size, but the most common is around 3-5 inches in length.

Origin & Source

These crystals can be found all over Arkhe, but the most concentrated supply of them is found on the continent Ien. One of its countries, Altriel, has a vast mining system for the excavation of these crystals and are the leading country in their refinement and distribution across the globe. It's said that there is a cave system running through the mountain range of Ien that is filled with magic crystals containing ancient magic that's guarded by a dragon, but no one has ever found it.

Life & Expiration

Magic can be stored in these crystals for an indefinite amount of time. However, the limit to the amount it can hold and the quality of the energy depends on the size, purity, cut and polish on the crystals. Once the magic contained within it is depleted, it can be refilled.

History & Usage

Discovery

The knowledge of these crystals predates written history, but it's said that they were originally used by a race of witches and that their crystal magic went beyond what anyone knows today. However, when a group of explorers discovered that Ien was rich in magical ore, they began the mining project and eventually the witches just vanished. No one really knows what happened to them, but every now and then someone goes missing in the mines.

Everyday use

Pretty much anything that requires energy and electricity uses a magic crystal. They can be found throughout Ien, Laevina, and Wish. Yumon uses them sparingly and Nenzir relies more on their fae magic.

Refinement

While the crystals can be used in their found state to a certain extent for things like wands/staffs, magic storage, or wards, they are much more useful after being cut and polished.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

Alongside the crystals, magic dust can be created. It's made from completely filled magic crystals being ground into dust and is helpful when enchanting items or infusing them with a particular element. It's best to use a filled crystal because some of the stored magic will be lost during the grinding.

Environmental Impact

Luckily the environmental impact is minimal when it comes to using the crystals, but there is a bit of concern when it comes to the mining procedures and what removing large amounts of crystals may do over long periods of time. For now, it's not a huge issue because the mining project hasn't been going on for too long yet, but eventually they may turn to manufacturing synthetic crystals eventually.

Reusability & Recycling

The crystals are like magical reusable batteries. As long as you have the crystal, it can store and expend magic for a few centuries before becoming less effective.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Common State

These crystals are always in a solid state, if they were melted, they would no longer be able to store magic in them.