Acerix

Acerix has existed in the world of Ish'ae since it's beginning. These peculiar floating stones were birthed from volcanic events, being spewed forth from the earth. Aside from their source, most scientists are still unsure of how the peculiar stones are created.
Acerix is notable for it's buoyancy. It is capable of floating in the air seemingly without assistance. This buoyancy is so strong that large acerix rocks can even support a surprisingly large amount of weight before beginning to sink. This buoyancy was eventually discovered to be the result of acerix's response to heat. Scientists theorized that due to heat rising Acerix would rise in accordance, almost appearing to "chase" the thermal radiation.
For a time, acerix rocks were seen as a novelty; scientists could find no application for them, magic users could find no inherent arcane nature to them, and inventors could find no use of them. It wasn't until Itena the Cloud White, and their colleague, Dr. Dio Linchu began their experimentation with different chemical compounds that Acerix gas would be created.
Acerix Gas captured the powerful buoyant nature of Acerix in a lighter than air gas. Through numerous trials, the amount of base Acerix needed became minimal, and the creation of the first Acerix gas lifted airships were born. This would shortly lead to the founding of the Itena Airship Concern.
From the beginning, the Itena Airship Concern (hitherto referred to as the IAC) was on the cutting edge of acerix and airship research. The IAC went on to created all manner of engines using the thermo-aero principles of acerix. Their icosahedron drynamos allowed for even greater speed and control, utilizing the "heat chasing" nature of acerix.
Finally, in a discovery that took his life Dr. Linchu discovered the formula for what would become acerix green. Combining acerix gas with numerous catalyzing elements, Dr. Linchu discovered a highly combustible fuel. This fuel went on to be used to power the newest propulsion system for airships; acerix jets. These green firing jets allow airships to travel at incredible speeds.
At one of the demonstrations of the new acerix jets in the city of Suganuren and accident would lead to another great discovery. Unbeknownst to the presenters, during the demonstration something was caught in the small engine pipeline of the model engine. When they attempted to activate the engine, a small gear shot out of the tailpipe at high velocity and took out the eye of a young venkatan scientist. Fearing the worst, the IAC paid both for the medical care, a artificial eye, as well as a great deal of hush money to the young scientist.
That scientist was named Jera Bhumi, and what most saw as a tragic accident, she saw as inspiration. Using her the money the IAC paid her off with, she began to research the ballistic potential of acerix green. Within a year, she has created the first working prototype firearm. Find investors for the new potential weapon, Jera Bhumi went on to found the Bhumi Company. Within five years, firearms became widespread among many military forces in Ish'ae.
These days, there is good money to be made hauling Acerix. Most of the local supply of the stone has been bought up, and is in storage. To find more of the highly sought stone, airships need to travel towards the sun. The increased heat of the eastern lands attracts the heat chasing stone.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Pink, quartz like, floating stone. Warm to the touch.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Floats, retains heat incredible well.
Found to "chase heat". Acerix will float towards the greatest source of heat in it's direct vicinity.

Compounds

Acerix is the main compound in Acerix Gas, and Acerix Green.
Acerix Gas is a lighter than air gas formed as a compound from processed acerix stone.
Acerix Green is a combustible gas also formed as a compound from acerix stone. It can be crystallized, as this is the preferred form to be used in the ammunition of most firearms.

Geology & Geography

Acerix is typically found as the result of volcanic activity. Believed to either be formed from the intense heat and pressure, or simply already existing and "chasing heat" of the resulting eruption. So far, no discoveries have been made of acerix located in the ground.

Origin & Source

Unknown, but results from volcanic activity.

Life & Expiration

Highly stable, seemingly without expiration.

Odor

None

Color

Dusty-pink

Common State

Solid, semi crystaline rock.