Crystals
Crystals
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![image of quartz crystal]()
Quartz
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![image of citrine crystal matrix]()
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![image of realgar crystal]()
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![image of dogtooth calcite crystal]()
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![image of citrine crystal]()
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![image of selenite crystals]()
Crystals are at the centre of magic in the Blank Magic series, not because they are essential to the performance of magic but because they make its manipulation easier. The reason for this is that their internal structure, right down to the atomic level, is so regular that they emit magical particles in certain fixed directions rather than randomly from every surface like most other objects. This directionality is also superimposed on any magical energy travelling through them.
Until the nineteenth century using crystals to direct magic was confined to personal use to direct and concentrate a wizard's own magic. With the advent of much greater availability and the development of better methods of shaping them, crystals became integrated into magical objects and tools.
When performing physical magic a mage will use his or her abilities to control the particles emitted and surrounding all matter. (the first three images below) by channelling magical energy though a crystal and emitting it in a controlled direction.
(see the last image below)
Until the nineteenth century using crystals to direct magic was confined to personal use to direct and concentrate a wizard's own magic. With the advent of much greater availability and the development of better methods of shaping them, crystals became integrated into magical objects and tools.
When performing physical magic a mage will use his or her abilities to control the particles emitted and surrounding all matter. (the first three images below) by channelling magical energy though a crystal and emitting it in a controlled direction.
(see the last image below)
Crystals are usually used by wizards to direct and concentrate their magic but they are not essential. Much magic can be performed with only the witch or wizard's own abilities. However, many less talented wizards rely on their directional properties to assist them even in everyday tasks.
The concentrating ability of a crystal is dependent upon its intrinsic chemical form and hardness.
Only natural forms of hard crystals were readily available during the early Blank Magic stories. Crystals could, of course be grown from solution (see below). Developments in crystal technology such as creating synthetic gems were starting to be used during the early twentieth century and inevitably these became of interest to those developing magical weapons.
The concentrating ability of a crystal is dependent upon its intrinsic chemical form and hardness.
Only natural forms of hard crystals were readily available during the early Blank Magic stories. Crystals could, of course be grown from solution (see below). Developments in crystal technology such as creating synthetic gems were starting to be used during the early twentieth century and inevitably these became of interest to those developing magical weapons.
The magical enhancement properties of a crystal are not dependent on its surface shape but on the underlying atomic structure. Hence a raw natural crystal can have the same enhancement as a beautifully facetted gemstone made from the same material. Of course the optical properties of the gemstone make it much more aesthetically attractive.
The confusion between optical and magical properties is difficult for a non-magical practitioner to appreciate. A beautifully formed and polished glass prism, such as those that might be used in a chandelier, is as magically effective as a lump of wood. In fact wood, with its linear grain structure is infinitesimaly better.
Not all crystals are gemstones. Less durable crystals can be grown from aqueous solutions and will still have sufficient long-range atomic order to affect magic.
Most crystals capable of being grown from solution are only effective for a few operations. This, of course, isn't a problem for the many single use crystals used in the healing arts.
Synthetic crystals grown from molten dielectrics however are an acceptable alternative to natural stones. Of course the ability to make these has only become practical in the last century
All crystals used in magic are subject to stresses caused by the magical energy itself flowing through them. Hence, all crystals will degrade with time and use. Therefore it is important to use durable base materials.
Crystals also are most effective in physical magic: Although they can aid the witch's ability to concentrate, an individual's mental magic is largely unaffected by crystals. However magic amplified and directed by crystals may be used to create some mental-like effects.
Crystals also are most effective in physical magic: Although they can aid the witch's ability to concentrate, an individual's mental magic is largely unaffected by crystals. However magic amplified and directed by crystals may be used to create some mental-like effects.
