Adamantine
Adamantine is a rare and legendary metal on Aerith, renowned for its unmatched strength and near-indestructibility. Found only in the deepest reaches of the earth or in meteorites that have fallen from the heavens, this dark, lustrous metal is exceptionally difficult to mine and forge, requiring masterful skill and powerful enchantments to shape. Adamantine is highly sought after for crafting weapons, armor, and fortifications, as it is capable of withstanding immense force and magical energies. Items forged from adamantine often carry a reputation of permanence and power, becoming heirlooms of great significance. Coveted by kings, adventurers, and artificers alike, adamantine is one of Aerith's most prized and guarded materials.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Adamantine is an extraordinarily durable, jet-black metal with a faint greenish metallic sheen. It is exceptionally hard, resistant to damage, and incredibly dense, making it difficult to shape without specialized tools or magic. It rarely tarnishes or corrodes, maintaining its pristine appearance for centuries. Weapons and armor forged from adamantine are highly sought after for their unparalleled durability and ability to bypass certain magical resistances.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Adamantine is an exceptionally hard and dense metal, cool to the touch under normal conditions, and nearly impervious to physical damage. It is highly resistant to corrosion, remaining untarnished and unaffected by rust or decay even in the harshest environments. Chemically, it is inert, showing no reaction to most acids, bases, or solvents. Non-flammable and capable of withstanding extreme heat, adamantine retains its structural integrity under conditions that would destroy ordinary materials. Despite its resilience, it is remarkably receptive to magical enchantments, making it a prized material for crafting weapons, armor, and other enchanted objects.
Compounds
Adamantine is a key ingredient in numerous alloys and magical creations. It is often combined with other rare metals, such as mithral, to create lightweight yet highly durable materials for specialized equipment. In alchemy, powdered adamantine is occasionally used as a stabilizing agent in powerful transmutation potions. It also serves as a crucial component in the crafting of arcane foci, enchanted locks, and reinforced golem cores. Outside of magical applications, adamantine is rarely used in mundane mixtures due to its incredible density and difficulty to process, though it has been rumored to enhance certain enchanted culinary dishes as a finely ground dust.
Geology & Geography
Adamantine is a rare metal found deep beneath the surface of Aerith, often near geothermal activity or in ancient, magically charged veins. While small deposits can occasionally be discovered worldwide, the largest and most concentrated reserves are located in the Agriss Mountains. These towering peaks, known for their treacherous terrain and proximity to magma flows, harbor extensive adamantine mines. The metal's formation is believed to be tied to intense heat, pressure, and the influence of residual arcane energy. Extracting adamantine is perilous, requiring skilled miners and often magical assistance to reach its deeply buried veins.
Origin & Source
Adamantine is extracted from a rare ore known as adamantite, which is typically found embedded in dense veins deep within the earth. This ore forms under extreme geothermal and magical conditions, often in proximity to magma flows or areas rich in arcane energy. Adamantite deposits are most commonly located in ancient mountain ranges, particularly in regions like the Agriss Mountains, where tectonic and magical forces are most active. The raw ore requires refinement through specialized forges, often enhanced with magical techniques, to separate the pure adamantine metal from its base minerals.
Life & Expiration
Adamantine is extraordinarily stable and does not deteriorate under natural conditions. It is impervious to oxidation, corrosion, and physical decay, allowing it to retain its structure and properties indefinitely. Even when imbued with magical energy, adamantine shows no signs of energy dissipation over time, making it one of the most reliable materials for long-term enchantments and magical storage. While not radioactive, its magical resonance is thought to be self-stabilizing, ensuring that any stored magical power remains intact until actively dispelled or consumed.
120Ad
400 amu
Type
Metamaterial
Value
Priceless (500 gp/Oz.)
Rarity
Very Rare
Odor
Odorless under normal conditions; emits a faintly acrid scent when heated or worked.
Taste
Metallic and slightly bitter, with a dense, cold sensation.
Color
Deep black with a faint, greenish metallic sheen.
Boiling / Condensation Point
4,800°C (8,672°F)
Melting / Freezing Point
3,400°C (6,152°F)
Density
25 g/cm³
Common State
Solid
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