Pyralite

Pyralite is a crystalline substance native to the elemental Plane of Fire, where it forms deep beneath the surface of the plane. It is created by shifting tectonic heat currents and sometimes emerges in eruptions of lava on the surface. The crystal is a vibrant orange-red, faceted like naturally occurring gemstones, and emits a soft internal glow that never dims. Even when removed from its native plane, Pyralite retains its heat, remaining too hot to touch with bare skin.

Solid Fire

Pyralite is nearly impossible to shape once it has formed. Traditional forging or gemcutting is mostly ineffective: instead, craftspeople must seek out raw Pyralite that naturally resembles the intended object or is as close to the required size as possible. As such, armor or weapons made from Pyralite are exceedingly rare and often revered as sacred artifacts, as if nature itself intended their purpose. Typically Pyralite shards are bound with strips of fire-tempered brass or bronze. This method allows for the stabilization of larger forms, such as shields, vambraces, or staves.

Heated Gem

Pyralite does not cool. It pulses with an inner warmth that never wanes, and is immune to all forms of natural extinguishment. It is impervious to mundane fire, and if enchanted properly, even magical flames can be absorbed by it. A sliver of Pyralite embedded into metal will keep it warm to the touch, while larger deposits are capable of boiling water or burning material from several inches away. Because of its resilience and magical affinity with heat, Pyralite is often used in furnaces or in the creation of elemental-bound constructs. However, working with Pyralite requires arcane finesse as handling it for extended periods demands enchanted gloves, tongs, or fire-resistant tools.