#6: Minerals and Their Ancient Uses

[RPGnet Columns]

http://www.rpg.net/columns/therockys...ampaign6.phtml

Summary:

A extensive look at minerals, from Aetites to Unakite.

Go to the column for more information.

[JRM]

Thanks for the new addition to the Rocky State, I always find a few more interesting titbits from such columns. I was a bit taken back by this bit in the Mica entry:

Thin transparent sheets of mica were known as isinglass and were used as peepholes in boilers and lanterns because they were less likely to shatter when exposed to extremes in temperatures. Similar peepholes were used in isinglass curtains for horse-drawn carriages.

I've only heard of isinglass that's made from fish-guts (the word is derived from "sturgeon bladder"). Its the first time I've heard it used for transparent sheets of mineral (although I have heard of such being used in lanterns).

[Jennifer]

Yeah, this came down to the wire (I turned it in Monday morning), so I missed some things that'll I'll probably add here as I find them.

It was an atrocious week for trying to get stuff done.

[committed hero]

Originally Posted by Jennifer

I missed some things that'll I'll probably add here as I find them.

Opal, and maybe a mention of star sapphires if they have any special properties.

[Jennifer]

Opals didn't really become FAMOUS until the Victorian Age, so I held off for the second half.

Wait til you hear how they are associated with NASA....

I did cover "rutile" though, which is the cause of all the star patterns. I think also that the previous Gems entry had a discussion on the increases of price for star gems. And they'll show up again for the Magic/modern symbolic stuff.

[committed hero]

I look forward to it!