Muqa, Metal (MOO-kah)

Muqa is the material used to make the muqa coins of Ustraria and Iyr's official currencies. 
Although muqa itself is a composite of various impure scrap ore from the minting of other coins and refinement of other metals, it is occasionally (erroneously) named as its own type of ore in rare non-currency applications, such as primitive bullets.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Dull charcoal-gray to black in color, powdery or grainy to the touch until properly treated and minted.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Hard and scratch-resistant prior to heat application.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Coinage, small incidental uses such as bullets and fastenings.

Refinement

Minimal but vital refinement is needed to nullify the toxicity from the mixed metals through the addition of charcoal. This nullification is typically done before final minting or other manufacturing.

Manufacturing & Products

Generally, muqa is smelted into bricks or pellets before being transported to mints, craftsmen, etc for further production.

Hazards

When scrap ores such as peseta and oze are initially smelted together, the end result releases toxic fumes. To nullify the toxins, charcoal is added, which also gives it its characteristic black coloring.

Type

Metal

Color

Matte black