mythical substance
Faerie Glass is a material that appears in many legends and under different names. Objects made of this substance are strongly associated with the various Elder Races who ruled the world before the Era of Common Men. Most accounts agree that the Sidhe were the first race to craft wondrous crystalline items from this Faerie Glass (hence its name), but similar objects also appear in the legends of the Dwarves and the Duathan.
According to the stories, Faerie Glass is noted for its beauty, clarity, and exceptional hardness. It is credited with an array of magical properties, including an attunement with the Spirit World, and the ability to contain and channel supernatural energy forms.
Depending on the skill of the artisan, Faerie Glass may be crafted into various shapes, and used for many different purposes. Examples from legend include wands, baubles, bottles, weapons, furniture, and even architecture.
The myths claim this substance is fashioned from magical crystals originating in the Faerie Realm, or derived from a combination of abstract mystical ephemera, or even formed from pure cosmic aether. It is said that these materials can be forged into a glass-like form with lost techniques known only to the master artisans of the Fading Folk.
In the Southlands, the annals of the ancient God-Kings speak of glass-like objects created by the Apotheoi using a mythical compound called the silica obdura. Noted Imperial historian Paldo Visari has put forth the scholarly argument that the silica obdura of the old myths was a diamond particulate similar to those used in various alchemical and magical formulations.Visari describes methods to coat metal tools or weapons with this particulate to enhance cutting power, but acknowledges that to fashion an entire object out the material would be impractical and likely impossible.
Objects and artifacts made out of true Faerie Glass would be highly exotic. Value may depend upon the vintage and exact properties of the objects (and imbued magic, if applicable), but they would almost certainly be of great interest to scholars and curios collectors due to rarity alone.
