Echo Quartz

Echo quartz is a rare crystalline substance that is found in small quantities across the Skies, and is sought after for its ability to channel and focus elemental energy, by mechanists and those of a mystical persuasion alike. Before their more practical properties were discovered, echo quartz was so named for it's ability to reflect sound. This feature contributed to the belief that echo quartz could capture the souls of the dead, or otherwise served as a conduit for spirits to communicate with the living. Such claims are rejected by the various engineers and craftsmen who use the strange stone for it's absorbent properties, while druids and other spiritualists embrace such beliefs and incorporate them into their rituals.

Properties

Material Characteristics

In its base form, echo quartz is a colorless, smoky crystal, which grows in thick hexagonal stalks that originate from a single cluster. The size and frequency of these clusters is different from island to island.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The crystal is smooth, and causes a slight tingle when exposed to bare skin. The cleavage of the crystal follows an almost diamond like pattern, making it extremely difficult to cut and shape without the proper tools.

Geology & Geography

Echo quartz is an incredibly rare material that has only been found on a handful of islands up into this point. The largest clusters found seem to grow grow in areas equidistant between two Source Crystals of the same island, although smaller patches can be found anywhere. The specific requirements for this crystal are unclear, despite decades of intense study from the finest minds of the Skies.
It is well known that echo quartz grows most plentifully on the island of Union, but the Aliyuk and Vezulva have so far resisted any attempts to establish a mining colony.

History & Usage

History

The properties of echo quartz was discovered independently by a number of different groups and individuals across the skies at different times. Control of this rare mineral has sparked conflict between the major players of the skies for centuries, as each side has different methods for using the quartz for military technology, advanced magic, aviation, or some combination of the three.

Everyday use

Small chunks of echo quartz can be found in most modern Elemental Engines, while those of the arcane persuasion use larger chunks to create Elemental Foci to aid in their spellcasting. Others use the mineral for elemental based artillery, or to create permanent, or at least long lasting, enchantments.
By far, the most practical use for echo quartz for adventures in the skies is the creation of Stones of Power. These stones, when properly enchanted and slotted into a weapon or item designed to house them, transform mundane items into powerful magically infused armaments. These items are incredibly powerful, and include everything from flaming swords, to bags that bend the laws of physics. Such stones are crafted by powerful elemental mages or crystal smiths, master druids, and acrcanists of all strip and creed.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Various traditions, druids, and spiritualists attribute supernatural power to echo quartz, believing it capable of trapping souls, memories, and various spiritual entities.

Industrial Use

Small quantities of echo quartz are used in all sorts of machines in order to intensify or augment the energy of Source Crystal chunks.
The Doro of Molten Heart blend both arcane practices and Skyhome engineering to create small, intricate relays of enchanting the stones to alter the laws of physics. Part magic and part mechanism, Stone Cannons are a perfect example of such arcane science in action.

Distribution

Trade & Market

As echo quartz is an incredibly rare material, it's market price fluctuates between expensive and prohibitively expensive. Grams of raw echo quartz routinely sell for hundreds of rarity 4 Slivers. On islands like Skyhome, the flow of echo quartz is controlled by private mining corporations. Other islands, such as Molten Heart and Paradise, the market for echo quartz is directly controlled by the islands governments.

Common State

Solid

Related Technologies

• Stone Cannon