Charged Magicite

Properties

Material Characteristics

Charged Magicite is Magicite that retains raw magical energy within its molecular structure.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The theoretical maximum energy that can be stored within a given mass of Charged Magicite is determined by the fourth root of the Mass-Energy equivalence constant (known as c) via the Magic-Mass-Energy principle:

M = mc^1/4

It is also receptive to multiple layers of enchantment, meaning that it can be "programmed" with complex chains of enchantments in ways that objects made of normal matter cannot.
Charged Magicite takes on a blue to violet iridescent sheen or glow which increases in intensity as it retains more energy. This effect only tops out at about 10% charge capacity, though. Magical means are only moderately better at assessing the charged state of Magicite, with only extremely skilled Wizards and specially attuned Sorcerers able to assess Magicite charge levels above 15%.
For this reason, the study of Charged Magicite has advanced Verdonese knowledge of the physical sciences greatly in the centuries since the liberation of the The Broken Horn. The concept of relativity and mass-energy-magic equivalence greatly enhanced the ability to evaluate the unique physical properties of magicite, as well as other matter and phenomena in the universe. This has resulted in huge advances in material science as well as hypothetical ways to generate energy, store energy, transmit energy, and do mechanical work without the use of magic. In the past these areas were neglected as the use of magic and enchantment was generally believed to be more efficient, but as of current day these areas are actively being researched by Imperial scientists using the same experimental methods that Wizards have been applying to Arcane research for millennia.

Compounds

As it is Magicite, Charged Magicite can consist of nearly any material. The process by which normal materials become Magicite is poorly understood, however long term Ley Nexus exposure is a known factor. For this reason, most mined Magicite is charged to some extent.

Geology & Geography

Magicite (charged and otherwise) is distributed across all of Granthea but exists in far greater amounts on Granmor and Morgranth than it does on Theamor. This is thought to be because of extensive resource depletion on Theamor.
The various material types of Charged Magicite are distributed evenly with regard to the ubiquity of its substance. This means most kinds of Charged Magicite simply looks like normal rock at first glance, with the exception of its unique five-fold crystalline structure (see Magicite).

Origin & Source

Charged Magicite is a default state of Magicite in Magicite veins occurring in the world. It is in fact rather infrequent to find completely uncharged magicite deposits. The natural Ley Nexus/Ley Confluence effects that give rise to Magicite as well as the Ley line/Ley flow dynamics naturally fill and replenish the charge of native Magicite, and contribute to the expansion of Magicite veins on a geological timescale.

Life & Expiration

The charge in magicite will deplete naturally over time, with a charge half-life of about five hundred years. However, there are magically-enabled ways of storing magicite such that its half life is extended much longer.

History & Usage

Discovery

Charged Magicite is actually quite intuitive for magic users on a basic level and is ubiquitous in use as replacements for the normal arcane components of spells and as magical foci. The use of Charged Magicite as a medium for enchantment is the next logical step. As such, these are found across civilizations.
The next stage is the ability to be able to tell apart the various levels of magicite charge. Many races, unable to tell apart fully, mostly, or slightly charged magicite, accidentally end up constructing mundane objects out of insanely valuable high-charge material. 50% charged magicite is a full order of magnitude more valuable in the Empire than 25% charged magicite.
However, the process of layering complex and interacting series of spells in an engineered manner and the ability to quickly expend the high amounts of magical energy needed to execute them is very rare. Huge leaps in the ability to charge Magicite are needed to get it anywhere near full capacity, and the polities who have the ability to do this guard it jealously.

Everyday use

Charged Magicite can be "programmed" with complex chains of enchantments in ways that objects made of normal matter cannot. The Empire's understanding of the practicalities of this magical engineering is currently far outstripped by their understanding of its potential. Having been witness to, and even victim of, so-called Magical Weapons of Mass Destruction, the Empire knows that research into Charged Magicite is the only way to achieve true parity with the Elves and their Dwarven allies. More frequently it is used as "reagents" for spells in lieu of traditional material components. Every magic user in the Empire is awarded an allotment of Charged Magicite relative to their ability and standing as rated by the Magocracy and their standing within other Imperial factions.
In The Mountainhomes magicite is used to automate labor and power machines as well. This allows Dwarves to excavate mountains and construct dwellings very quickly (although they relish doing it by hand as well). Their Gnomish engineers use Magicite in order to build extraordinary contraptions that rival the Elves' in complexity, if not usefulness.
Magicite Engineering is taken to an extreme in High Elven society, especially that of Kolthis and Fennein, where it is so integral to daily life that it is really the only resource whose scarcity affects life at all. Interestingly, while Fennein constantly seeks out more Magicite, Kolthis does not, indicating that it has surpassed their southern as well as eastern enemies in Magicite efficiency.

Refinement

Magicite is charged via the use of Ley Lines and Ley Nexi. Ley Nexi charge magicite much more quickly but are incredibly unpredictable. Magicite refineries are also established along much more predictable Ley Line routes. Certain enchantments, types of architecture or geoengineering and building material are known to solidify Ley Line energy and make the feed of magical energy across the refinery more consistent and intense. Dwarven Mountainhomes and Elven cities are built around these principles, with ley conducting capabilities incorporated into every structure in order to maximize the lifetime and efficiency of the magical objects contained within. Elven and Human refining draw Ley energy from the atmosphere (this is why mages live and work in towers). Dwarven refining draws Ley energy from underground, a process that is far more efficient for them than other races for unknown reasons.

Manufacturing & Products

Charged Magicite is used to power all manner of magical devices and spells. However the most notable use is in terms of magical weaponry by the Elves and Dwarves.

Reusability & Recycling

When depleted, Charged Magicite simply becomes magicite again.

Zinc Magicite Crystal by AMES lab

Type

Metaphysical

Odor

Faint ozone smell

Color

Charged Magicite takes on a blue to violet iridescent sheen or glow which increases in intensity as it retains more and more energy.

Boiling / Condensation Point

Varies

Melting / Freezing Point

Varies

Density

Varies

Common State

Solid