Glowspar

First discovered in 1281 AoU, in Riftview, Glowspar is a metallic mineral ore which has been saturated in magical energies to an intense degree, and as such is extremely useful, when processed, as a material for the construction of any and all kinds of magical implements. It is irridescent when exposed to the elements.
Glowspar is processed through combination with Iron via smelting, into a metallic alloy known as Brightsteel, which retains the magical charge of the raw ore form, while also being incredibly durable and workable. Implements made from Brightsteel have been known to recharge themselves when exposed to sunlight.
The original formation of Glowspar, and its proliferation throughout the Rift Mountains, is a result of a magical ritual, around 2700 years before the current time, in the days of the Age of Arcane Might. This ritual, known by some as the 'Eye of Contempt', was carried out at the top of El'Alcar Tower, at the head of what is now the Grand Rift. The ritual unleashed an unprecedented amount of magical energy northwards towards the city of Solara, in the final act of a war that was raging between the people of Solara and a now defunct magical kingdom that was located in the vicinity of Duskwick on the north-western peninsula of Vallanna. The energy released carved out the Rift (creating the Rift Mountains in the process), and shattered the peninsula on which Solara stood; the remains of which are now known as the Amethyst Isles.
In much the same way that this magical energy ritual infused the rock of the newly formed Rift Mountains with an innate magical charge, creating Glowspar; it also infused the prominent crystal formations, which give the Amethyst Isles their name, with a similar, if slightly lesser, magical charge.

Properties

Geology & Geography

Currently the only site at which Glowspar is mined is in the immediate area of the town of Riftview. This mining is strictly controlled by the Baron of Riftview, Frederick Drach.
It has been speculated that the mineral can be found throughout the Rift Mountains, but exploratory expeditions have not been forthcoming, perhaps in the western range in fear of reprisal from the Baron and his thugs. The difficulty in reaching the eastern range of these mountains has not helped in this matter either, as many are unwilling to idly venture so close to the Auric Wastes.

History & Usage

History

After Frederick Drach inherited the title of Baron of Riftview in 1281 AoU, he returned to his ancestral home, Drach Manor, in Riftview. He found that his older brother, Arvan, the previous Baron, had left the manor in need of serious restoration work. During the survey of the property by experts in his employ, the first small deposit of Glowspar was discovered on the grounds, exposed by a small landslide.
After it had been analysed, Drach was quick to establish his own monopoly on the ore, and currently has a stranglehold on the supply of the mineral.

Hazards

The mining and refinement of Glowspar can have detrimental health effects, over a long period of time, as microscopic amounts of the mineral, infused as they are with magical energies, build up steadily in the bodies of the workers. This majority of this occurs through the inhalation of dust particles, although prolonged physical contact with the raw mineral can result in a small amount of absorption through the skin.
The exact result of this exposure vary from person to person, and can range from purely physical maladies to any number of unpredictable magical effects and sensitivities.
As Glowspar is a fairly recent discovery, the full effects of prolonged exposure have not been fully studied. The monopoly that is held on the mining of Glowspar by the Baron of Riftview has made this study difficult, also.
In a refined form however, this kind of exposure is generally not a concern.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Color

Silver, with an irridescent glow when exposed to light.

Melting / Freezing Point

1832°C