Gemstones

The entire economy of Tovran is based on the Gem Standard. Gold, silver, and copper, are moderately rare and primarilly useless metals, which act as a stand ins for an equivilant value of gems. Any accredited bank or trading post on the continent is able to trade your gold for a direct equivilant of gems or vice versa easily.

Refining Gems

Gems can be cut and shaped by Gemsmiths, specially trained tradesfolk who are able to careful cultivate the Anima in a gem to flow a specific, or more efficently way. A raw gem generates less usable Anima than one cut for a specific purpose by a Gemsmith. They are less valuable for this reason.
Gemsmithing is highly sought after and valued trade as a careless or untrained hand can damage a gem, causing it to no longer generate any significant anima, rendering it worthless.

Conduits

Conduits are specialty fabrications designed by Gemsmiths for a particular function. They take take nearly any shape but have one uniform quality; all have one or more gemstones affixed to or embedded in the object. Some common examples are; enchanted weapons, magically enhanced armor, golems and similar automotons, and wands.
Inset gems provide a constant source of power to the object redirecting the Anima that is naturally generated into the object allowing for continual use or passive recharging of the item in question. Without a gem these items may only have a limited number of uses, require Anima from a Channeler, or be entirely useless.

Infused Materials

Special materials can be made carefully by crushing gems into a fine power and mixing them with another substance to give it enhanced qualities. This is a less impressive form of Gemsmithing typically done with gems that are too small to be of other use, or gems that have been cracked from stress.
Examples of such materials are:

• A wooden wheel that is more durable and absorbs impacts.

• A block of stone that is lighter and harder than natural.

• A fabric that is extra stretchy.

The Magical Properties of Gems

Gems in their natural state radiate Anima into the environment far more than other natural substances. While Anima in the environment is uniform in its nature, the gemstones themselves are attuned to a particular natural law or aspect of reality. This allows a Channeler to draw out energy more readily regading that particular aspect.

Laws Regarding Gems in Tovran

• Gem ownership is prohibited to those who mine or cut raw gems.

• Anima generation cannot exceed a practical threshold within cities without appropriate documentation.

• Non-commercial destruction of gems is strictly prohibited.

• Ownership of non-functional gems is prohibtied unless the damage is easily visible.

Type

Ore/Mineral