fatal

Chapter 14: Treasure
Diamond: This precious stone is the hardest
substance known, exhibited in its resistance to
scratching. In fact, the origin of the word means
‘invincible’. Diamonds exhibit a wide range of transparency
and color. Good quality diamonds of clear,
strong, and unusual color are highly prized. Colorless
stones known as white diamonds are extremely
valuable, while yellow or brown tinged stones are
regarded as imperfect. Green and blue diamonds
are rarities, and red diamonds are the rarest of all.
The luster and fire for a diamond are higher than
for any other natural, transparent, colorless stone.
Diamonds have incredible resistance to the corrosive
effects of acids and bases. Typically, diamonds
are valued at 12,500 silver pieces per carat.
Emerald: This valuable green stone is alleged
to have the power of healing regarding diseased
eyes. Flawless specimens of good color and
size are exceedingly rare and command higher prices
than diamonds of equal weight. To some, this gem
symbolizes love. Most emeralds are valued at 10,000
silver pieces per carat.
Fire Opal: In some cultures, possession of
an opal brings bad luck to the owner. In other cultures,
it is believed to be beneficial to eyesight, and
is worn in necklaces by blonde women to protect
the hair from losing its color. Some think the effect
of the opal on eyesight can render the wearer invisible,
and is recommended for thieves. The color of
this stone is yellow to red. This stone should be
protected from heat and strong light, which can dry
it out, causing cracks. Likewise, acids should be
avoided. Exposed corners or points are subject to
wear, and the stone is best set in a protected mounting.
Typically, fire opals are valued at 50 silver pieces
per carat.
Green Tourmaline: This gem is valued at
100,000 silver pieces per carat. These stones are
usually cut in long rectangular shapes, due to their
long and narrow crystal shape. This is a hard and
durable gemstone that can withstand years of wear,
though it is advisable to avoid heat.
Iolite: Mined from the north, this stone,
when cut properly, appears a violet-like, blue, almost
like sapphire from one side, clear as water from
the other, and honey-yellow from the top. Cutting
this gem, however, demands great skill, and must be
cut in precisely the right direction, or it is ruined. It
is reliably hard, but should be protected from blows.
Iolite is readily available and surprisingly affordable,
considering its beauty. Typically, iolite is valued at 8
silver pieces per carat.
Lapis Lazuli: This blue rock has been loved
by nearly every culture. It is popular in inlays, and is
the shade of blue that artists use to paint the sky.
Most believe it is a powerful aphrodisiac, and it is
widely accepted that this stone keeps the limbs
healthy, and frees the soul from error, envy, and fear.
The stone is porous, not very hard, and easily susceptible
to becoming scratched. Lapis Lazuli is typically
valued at 40 silver pieces per carat.
Moonstone: The birthstone of June, this
blue stone seems magical with a ghostly, shimmering
glow. Some believe this stone is formed out of
moonlight. This stone, however, may come in a
variety of colors, such as gray, brown, and green,
though blue is the most valuable. A favorite is to
fashion these into beads and display them against a
black dress. Typically, moonstone is valued at 80
silver pieces per carat.
Obsidian: This stone is not very valuable,
and it is easy to shape by flaking. Ancient cultures
used it to make weapons and tools. Typically, obsidian
is valued at 3 silver pieces per carat.
Onyx: This stone has alternating straight
bands colored black and white. Onyx is typically
valued at 20 silver pieces per carat.
Peridot: An olive colored stone, peridot is
associated with the month of August. This gemstone
is born in fire, and is known as the volcanic
gem. Called “evening emerald”, the green color does
not darken at night, but is still visible by torchlight.
Peridot has been found in large quantities, even over
200 carats apiece. Peridot is said by mages to have
the power to drive away evil, and the power is said
to be stronger when the gem is set in gold. Further,
peridot is said to strengthen any medicine drunk
from goblets carved from this gemstone. Typically,
peridot is valued at 30 silver pieces per carat.
786