Subanese crystal

Subanese crystal, also known as blamite, is an unstable crystalline material that grows naturally in small, segregated veins on the moon of Suban.

Characteristics
Pink in coloration, with a Mohs hardness scale of 8, Subanese crystals exhibit a number of dangerous quirks that makes them dangerous to handle. They have a unique molecular organization that readily reacts with itself to create ever-lengthening molecular chains, which has a tendency to crack in an angular way. This makes blamite exceptionally easy to sharpen, enough so that microfragments can easily cut through skin and hides of most Covenant species. In addition, these chains are inherently unstable, and at a certain critical mass, the interior structure of the crystal breaks down with enough force to blow apart even fully-armored Sangheili and Jiralhanae warriors. This does not require touch between two nearby pieces, with both exploding with somewhat less force. This is believed to be due to the radiation that is emitted from the crystals, which has no observable effect on organics. Blamite cannot be found in large crystals because of this property, which also makes travel through the caves in which they grow treacherous. In addition, this scatters razor-sharp shards of crystal at high speed. To allow for storage in large numbers, the Sangheili of Suban discovered that blamite can be coated in a lacquer which absorbs the radiation and stabilizes the crystal, preventing unwanted detonations. This layer is stripped off when it is used as a weapon.

Microscopic pieces of Blamite that is ingested or somehow makes its way into an individual's body can remain in their circulatory system for years, which can eventually result in a disease called 'Subosis.' Symptoms include the development of hard, pink (though it can also be purple) crystalline deposits where the crystals settle, typically in the skin, heart, and eyes, as well as scarring within their blood vessels. Over time, the patient will eventually become blind, and their total lifespan is considerably shortened. Blamite has also been connected to a wide number of other conditions as well, such as asbestosis and some forms of cancer.

Although Subanese crystals can be grown artificial by using forms of programmable matter, only the natural material is capable of being programmed with semi-guiding properties, as the methods in which it does so are not understood by the Covenant. While commercial blamite is considerably more stable, closer imitations sourced from the black market are considerably more volatile, often exploding while in storage or losing its ability to supercombine over time. In addition, these forms of blamite emphasize its natural radioactive signature which can over time inflict DNA damage to users that often work closely with it.

Applications
Because of its unique 'supercombine' properties, blamite is often used as ammunition for weaponry, particularly those employed against infantry. It is easily capable of piercing through most forms of personal armor, sometimes enough to punch clean through them, which makes it an excellent munition for sniping. It can embed itself within an enemy's hide or armor, where a supercombine can blow an individual apart and send ultra-sharp shrapnel into anyone near the unfortunate victim. In addition, natural blamite's ability to track its target means that indirect fire is possible.

Acquisition
Subanese crystals only grow naturally on Suban, and their source is a closely-guarded secret of the organization that currently mines it. They are generated by a damaged but still-functioning Forerunner machine somewhere deep beneath the surface. The exact purpose of the machine is unknown, with the crystals almost certainly being produced as a by-product to the processes that occur within it. What is know is that only a specific mixture of raw materials fed into the artifact will result in their growth. This and the power fluctuations of the device directly affect the purity, quality, and stability of the resulting product. This knowledge is entrusted only to the eldest individuals of the guild.

The organization that mines blamite is less a conventional corporation, and more of religious order made up of priests. They are isolationist and mysterious by nature, and their close work with the crystals sees many of their followers suffer from acute subosis. While the mutations are considered unpleasant by outsiders, it is considered a symbol of status and devotion within. Once considered a position worthy only for the most heinousness criminals, it is now an honorable retreat for excess scions, offspring with debilitating deformities or mental defects, or otherwise honorable members of society for whom conventional punishment would prove politically inconvenient.