Mithril

Mithril is an exotic metal primarily used for armour. A silvery grey metal that can be polished to a high sheen it is incredibly strong and light. It seems that it originally was a metal found on the world of Svartalfheimr, and that it has now been found on Earth in small quantities. Dwarves have the most knowledge on how to mine, smelt and work the metal, with the Elves being close behind. They have found it makes for some of the best armour in existence. When a seem is found it is almost guaranteed for Dwarves to not be far behind.

Properties

Material Characteristics

A grey sparkling silvery coloured metal colour, usually in small quantities when mixed with silver ore.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Extremely light and very strong, it can be worked similar to steel.  Beaten like copper and polished like glass.

Geology & Geography

Mithril is found deep inside the earth, especially near underground faults. Usually as deep as 13000 ft. Usually mistook of silver, or mixed with it. Sometimes mixed with iron. Latter two metals more common. Extremely rare, and Dwarves are the only peoples who truly know were to look, mine it and shape it.

Origin & Source

Own ore, or mixed with silver or iron depending on region.

History & Usage

History

Mithril has been tied to the Dwarves, who will do anything for it. Also used by the Elves too, and openly traded between to two peoples for millennia. Seems to have some connection to Svartalfheimr, where it can be found in larger quantities. On Earth it is scarce and almost appears in rents deep underground where Dwarven & the odd Elven settlement exist.

Discovery

The exact time it was discovered is unknown though it has seemed to exist from when Svartalfheimr first came into being. Dwarves & Elves initially used it but has seen other races mining small quantities to use.

Everyday use

It is used almost exclusively in armour.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Seen as one of the perfect materials for armour production and demands four times its weight in gold for this.

Refinement

It has to be smelted from the ore first to use it. Found pure its heated to the correct temperature to remove impurities. If mixed with silver or iron, these are removed first before being refined further.

Manufacturing & Products

Metal armour types.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

Can be made into jewellery, goblets, bowls and fine dining utinsels.

Hazards

Needs very high temperatures to refine, and has to be mined from very deep mines, usually in unstable conditions.

Environmental Impact

As with any mining, run-off can be a problem with chemicals leaching into the environment. Also, the mine can cause piles of rubble to build up, and toxic gases on top of that. Sometimes collapses can happen that leads to a changing landscape.

Reusability & Recycling

Mithril items can be melted down and remade into different items, though in many cases this can reduce the strength of the new item, or worse, the price of it.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Miners usually sell this to smithies and forges for metal working purposes. It is classed as both a luxury and an exotic compound. It is usually Dwarven miners who sell it primarily other Dwarves.

Type

Metal

Value

1lb of ore is worth between 500 gps and 1000 gps.

Rarity

Very rare

Color

Light Silvery

Melting / Freezing Point

3500 centigrade melting point

Common State

Found in solid ore, usually with silver.