Howlite
"Howlite"
Sometimes known as "The Howling Stone"
At a quick glance or to an untrained eye, it appears that this mineral is just an ordinary grey rock with lots of scratches from some animal. Those "scratches" are the tell tale sign of the fibrous layering of the crystals, that help to identify this mineral.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Howlite consists of tiny, thin, delicate, fibrous, grey, metallic crystals, that easily break apart and suspend in the air for a short time.
Geology & Geography
Howlite is a naturally occurring mineral found in many igneous rocks and mountain ranges. This mineral is often found in regions where ancient magmas cooled at a very slow rate. The slow cooling allowed enough time for the fibrous crystals to grow. Often found in the Greyspire Mountains and similar environments.
Life & Expiration
Being somewhat brittle, the crystals are easily broken through everyday handling and wear and tear.
History & Usage
History
Howlite is a seldom seen or used material in today's world. In ancient times, nomadic tribes would mix it's fibers with clays to strengthen ceramics and earthenware items. In slightly less ancient times, if the writings in the "Katba Tad-Droga" are to be believed, it is recorded that various druids used the powdered mineral as an ingredient to prevent or cure Lycanthropy. Some healers today still attempt to use the mineral as a cure, results are... indeterminate.
Discovery
An exact discovery date is unknown, as this mineral can be found just laying on the ground in some circumstances. It's easy to conceive that ancient dwarves would have probably found and discarded the mineral during their mining operations. However, the first peoples to intentionally use it date back to the ancient nomadic tribes in the vicinity of the Greyspire Mountains.
Everyday use
Howlite has two main uses today. The first and simplest use, is as a specimen in mineral collections, for those with the interest, time, and coin for such pursuits. Second, it is thought that it's powdered form is an essential ingredient in concoctions and potions intended to cure Lycanthropy.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Archaeological studies have found evidence of Howlite being used in ancient times to strengthen ceramic bowls, cups, plates, and pots. It is believed that the longer a person used the ceramic item, the more likely it would have been for them to breathe in the fibers and develop any of several respiratory and psychological illnesses. This may be one possible explanation for the berserker tribes of the time and area.
Manufacturing & Products
At one time, Howlite was used in the molding process for making earthenware, it is no longer used as such today.
Hazards
The mining and collection of Howlite often leads to detrimental health effects if proper precautions are not taken.
Upon inhalation of the fibrous mineral, the air sacs in the lungs are punctured and damaged resulting in various coughing fits. Long term exposure can result in shortness of breath, reduced lung capacity, wheezing, and eventual lung cancers.
After the air sacs in the lungs are ruptured, the mineral can dissolve into the bloodstream, traveling throughout the body and affect the brain. Those affected in this way often develop paranoia, schizophrenia, insatiable thirst and hunger, an obsession with uncooked foods, a desire to be a wolf, and eventually the mental illness, Lupinus Mentis.
Reusability & Recycling
Due to it's fragile nature, Howlite cannot be reused or recycled and often breaks down over time. Proper storage is highly recommended to prevent inadvertent inhalation.
Distribution
Trade & Market
While hard to come by, it is common for Howlite to be available for purchase in many gemshops and occasionally in apothecaries or places of healing.
Storage
It is highly recommended that Howlite always be stored in a sealed airtight container in order to prevent accidental inhalation.
Law & Regulation
There are no laws concerning the possession or use of Howlite.
Type
Ore/Mineral
Rarity
Rare
Odor
Odorless
Taste
Tasteless
Color
Light Grey
Density
Light
Common State
Light grey, metallic, fibrous crystal usually found attached to or in igneous rocks.
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