Lyrium

Red lyrium is a rare, more potent and more addictive form of raw lyrium created when normal lyrium is corrupted by the taint of the Darkspawn

Properties

Physical & Chemical Properties

Lyrium is a valuable but dangerous mineral-like substance. The mineral is extremely volatile and sometimes explodes for no reason. Physical contact with raw lyrium ore will cause serious injury and psychological damage for all races besides Dwarves , and will kill Tieflings outright.
The Mining caste of the dwarves is the only group capable of safely mining and processing lyrium into a less dangerous and more useful form. How they achieve this is a tightly guarded secret. Generations of proximity to lyrium ore veins have made dwarves naturally resistant, though not completely immune, to its effects. Even their resistance is only skin deep, as open cuts and direct exposure to the eyes leaves them vulnerable. Surface dwarves lose this resistance over time.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Ingesting Lyrium is addictive. Since The Templars  are given lyrium to "develop their talents", this serves as incentive to keep them loyal to The Chantry , which controls the lyrium trade. 
Prolonged use by Templars becomes addictive, the cravings unbearable. Over time, they grow disoriented, incapable of distinguishing memory from present, or dream from waking. They frequently become paranoid as their worst memories and nightmares haunt their waking hours. Other known side effects than paranoia include obsession, and dementia.

Cultural Significance and Usage

With the proper expertise, one can infuse lyrium within one's skin which looks like markings. The agonizing process makes the victims more biddable, with the potential side effect of lost memories. Touching the markings may be physically painful.

Industrial Use

Mages can also be branded with lyrium to become Tranquils, forever severing their connection to the Fade, and causing their magical abilities to disappear entirely.

Refinement

Exposure to the unprocessed mineral can cause deafness or memory loss. For humans and elves, direct contact with lyrium ore produces nausea, blistering of the skin, and dementia. In its processed form, lyrium may be handled by anyone, but long term exposure or a single mistake while working with it can lead to serious side effects.

Rarity

Raw lyrium emits a strangely soothing sound that some call the voice of the Maker. Dwarven miners are able to find lyrium veins by ear as they claim that they hear the Stone sing.

Related Locations

• Orzammar

Related Species

• Dwarves