General Information
Name: Grithvine
Class: Oreborn
Type: Abrasive
Colour: Ashen grey with streaks of pale lilac and flecks of dull silver
Smell: Dusty and mineral-rich, with a faint metal tang
Description: Grithvine is a layered abrasive mineral, uncommonly found growing through stone or other deposits, in long veins that twist through like trapped roots, giving it its name. Despite its dull, pebble-like outter appearance, its layered interior holds razor-fine granules that are harder than most forged metals - perfect for shaping, honing, and finishing blades. The beauty of Grithvine isn’t just its hardness - it fractures clean. When split it reveals smooth inner parts. Artisans use different stages of Grithvine based on level of demanded polish or the tool being worked. To the eye, it’s humble. To the hand, it’s indispensable.
Properties: Naturally layered, cleaves into flat sharpening faces. Fine-grain edge: smooths and hones metals like Veldstone. Slightly brittle — fractures under heavy pressure. Can be ground into powder and bonded to hides or slabs for finer polishing. Leaves a faint silver sheen on finished edges, prized by swordsmiths.
Harvesting & Processing
Harvesting: Separation of Grithvine from whatever it twists through is a master stonework. Skilled craftmans can tell what technique to use, depending on minerals present. Once at least partially exposed, sharp tools are used for extraction.
Processing: Flat Faces: Strike along the grain with a strong Veldstone chisel or a sharp edge; avoid shattering by blunt impact! Once a smooth sliver is revealed, cut and lift whole — even small cracks reduce sharpening quality. For powder: grind unusable or fractured shards with a heavy smooth stone. Powder can be mixed with sticky oils or drying Drak Grease and pressed into leather to create flexible sharpening belts.
Storage: Store flat slivers wrapped in Flaxroot cloth to prevent chipping; moisture does no harm but rough storage causes fracturing. Dust must be kept in tightly sealed Veilglass jars — even light breezes waste it. Keep bonded polishing tools dry and clean for repeated use.