Planetary Stones

Planetary Stones are naturally-occurring organigenic crystalline solids that produce various effects depending on their planet of origin. The strength of that effect is based upon the size of the stone. Stones are planet-specific: their properties are only active within their planet's atmosphere.

Lifecycle
Stones are generally found deep within each planet, primarily in areas of heavy volcanic activity. A stone will continue to grow so long as it is attached to its planet and thus feeding directly from its life force. It is this connection with its planet that imbues the stone with its organigenic properties. During this growth phase, the stone is "inoperative" and only exhibits the universal secondary properties.

Upon removal from its feeding grounds, a stone becomes "operative" and will exhibit its primary properties. It will continue to do so perpetually unless removed from its home planet. Transporting a stone to another planet through the Portals (for example, taking a Eutopian Liston into Xia) will immediately make the stone "dead" and it will exhibit neither secondary nor primary properties. However, the stone will go back to its "operative" state upon entry into its home planet, as it is reconnected with the planet's life force.

Stones can be transformed, ground into dust, and even infused into other materials while still maintaining its properties to various effect.

Secondary (Universal) Properties
Planetary Stones exhibit a number of secondary properties which are universal across all types.

Luminescence
Stones emit a bright light whose intensity is dependent upon its size and whose color is dependent upon the stone's planet of origin. As such, stones are used as non-flammable light sources across nearly all planets and cultures.

Hardness
Stones are among the hardest known substances, but their primary properties prevent use within their planet of origin. As such, "dead" stones are used in tool-making and as tools themselves, although Depletion Laws nominally prevent stones from being transported at all beyond the portals.

Primary Properties
Primary properties are planet-specific.

A stone’s power is proportional to its size. Some stone types must be ‘activated,’ by an outside force (usually through physical touch), while others are innately active. With too much continual or greatly powered use, a stone may "overheat" and temporarily sever its connection with its planet. Overuse or overexertion can even destroy the stone. Otherwise, their properties are relatively limitless over time, supplied by their planet’s life force.

Below is an incomplete list of the color, primary properties, and known applications for each stone type, ordered by the Thessidian circle.