Agish Mines
In the lower slopes of the Shiver Mountains is a deep vein of lapis lazuli that has been mined for well over a thousand years. The mines are dug into the sides of a long, narrow gorge called Karika Valley.
There are many mines dug up and down the length of the gorge. Many of them, especially those closest to the entrance, have been abandoned centuries ago after being mined to exhaustion. Rope bridges criss-cross the narrower parts of the gorge and thin paths dug into the sides of cliff-faces are the only access to some of the mines.
Lapis lazuli is the favourite gem of the Kingdom of Tanish. Its deep blue colour and speckles of gold is reminiscent of the night sky and considered symbolic of the deep, endless sky that stretches over the sand dunes. The metals associated with the two prime deities - Entu and A'ui, of the sun and moon respectively - are gold and silver, but lapis represents a unity of both with its flecks of gold streaking through the night sky.
Pure varieties of lapis are also mined, but they are less valuable without the iconic golden streaks and speckles. It is most often used once ground up as a pigment.
The Agish mines are the only known source of lapis lazuli in Kaabara. The source runs deep and even after over two thousand years, new shafts are being dug every few decades.
Lapis is commonly used by forming it into tiles and then layering the tiles over brick to form vividly blue walls or structures. The The New Temple of Entu has two gates covered in it, and the gate to the inner circle of Tirasha is similarly bright blue. It is also used to decorate royal jewellery, to make vases or small sculptors, or turned into small beads that trim clothing.
Commoners are not permitted to wear clothing or jewellery with lapis lazuli, but they may own figurines, vases, or other sculptures.
Along with lapis lazuli, smaller mines in the valley provide dolomite, pyrite, diopside, or garnet.
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