Orichalcum

Orichalcum is a mysterious and fabulous metal little understood by contemporary science. However, several sources within the confines of suburbansenshi2 have a thorough understanding of the subject and have shared non-technical details of the material.

First, orichalcum is remarkably sensitive to magical fields, allowing it to be enchanted easilly and to contain vast amounts of magical power. In other places and other worlds, orichalcum may be used to create actual magical "circuits," in much the same way as electronics can be channeled with copper wire.

Second, orichalcum has a tensile strength between twice and three times that of steel. This makes it remarkably useful for weapons, particularly swords and knives, as it holds a keen edge.

Third, it is generally agreed that natural sources of orichalcum are hard to find in the Sol system and many were mined out in ancient times. The Atlanteans had several sources, including a few in Greece, but these were mined out before their land sank beneath the waves. Currently, according to the Time Lady Sakura Xadium Aino, Venus is the primary source of orichalcum in the Sol system (and even there the price is high).

Orichalcum in suburbansenshi2

Suu's wings have been tested to reveal that the feathers are made from an alloy of orichalcum and mythril, with supports of mythril and brass. It appears that the orichalcum in the feathers are what allows Suu to fly.

Raihosha's Cane apparently employs some type of orichalcum circuitry, the purpose or meaning of which hasn't been revealed.

Variations

Much like any element/substance, orichalcum has different isotopes.

• Orihalicon: A mineral rather than a metal. In its pure form it is grey; when alloyed it resembles a stronger form of gold. It is considered more valuable than gold. It is used to hide kehai (magical aura) and items made from it are immune to spell attacks. (("Origin": Slayers Return; various tabletop RPGs))
• Orichalcos Stone: Here, the material is said to have rained down upon the city in fragments (like meteorites). The power of the Orichalcos was used to advance the city of Atlantis's technology, but the stones began to transform Atlantis's inhabitants into monsters. The stone possesses a massive evil aura. (("Origin": Yu-Gi-Oh, Doma arc))