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Difference between revisions of "Harmonium"

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{{metal
  
{{metal
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|type=God Metal ([[Harmony]])
 +
|type=[[God Metal]] ([[Harmony]])
 
|properties=Power [[Metallic Arts]] technologies<br />Explode when mixed with water
  
|properties=Power [[Metallic Arts]] technologies<br />Explode when mixed with water
 
|books=[[Mistborn Era 2]]
  
|books=[[Mistborn Era 2]]
 
}}
  
}}
  +
{{update|mb7}}
−
'''Ettmetal''', also known as harmonium, is the God Metal of [[Harmony]]. It is used in some of the [[Southern Scadrial|Southern Scadrians']] [[Metallic Arts]] technologies.{{wob ref|3539}}{{wob ref|2544}}
+
'''Harmonium''', also known as '''ettmetal''', is the [[God Metal]] of [[Harmony]]. It is used in some of the [[Southern Scadrial|Southern Scadrians']] [[Metallic Arts]] technologies.{{wob ref|3539}}{{wob ref|2544}}
   
 
== Properties ==
  
== Properties ==
−
Harmonium is the condensed elemental form of [[Harmony]]'s power. Alloying [[atium]] and [[lerasium]] will not give harmonium. Additionally, splitting harmonium through distillation will give something different from atium and lerasium. While difficult, it is possible to obtain atium and lerasium from ettmetal through some other means.{{wob ref|12145}}
 +
Harmonium is the condensed elemental form of [[Harmony]]'s power. Alloying [[atium]] and [[lerasium]] will not produce harmonium. While difficult, it is possible to obtain atium and lerasium from harmonium, but not through mechanical means.{{wob ref|12145}}
   
  +
Storing too much harmonium in one place supposedly can lead to the production of a perpendicularity, due to the large concentration of Investiture. Due to this, the South Scadrians make it a rule to never store too much harmonium together.{{book ref|mb7|15}}{{book ref|mb7|59}}
−
=== Safety Issues ===
  
  +
⚫
Due to the merging of [[Ruin]] and [[Preservation]]'s [[Shard|intent]]s into Harmony, ettmetal's [[Spiritual Realm|Spiritual aspect]] is in opposition with itself, leading to effects on the metal's [[Physical Realm|Physical aspect]], particularly its chemical properties, which makes it extremely reactive.{{wob ref|1663}}{{wob ref|2548}} After reacting with water, residual ettmetal hydroxide is left behind, though the substance's properties are unknown.{{wob ref|12680}} The [[Southern Scadrian]]s use ettmetal to create powerful bombs,{{book ref|mb6|22}} which the [[Set]] have been trying to replicate with limited success.{{book ref|mb6|epilogue}}
  
  +
=== Chemical Properties ===
  ⚫
Due to the merging of [[Ruin]] and [[Preservation]]'s [[Shard|intent]]s into Harmony, harmonium's [[Spiritual Realm|Spiritual aspect]] is in opposition with itself, leading to effects on the metal's [[Physical Realm|Physical aspect]], which makes it extremely reactive.{{wob ref|1663}}{{wob ref|2548}} It reacts violently with water, similar to [[wikipedia:Alkali_metal|alkali metals]]. After reacting with water, residual harmonium hydroxide is left behind, though the substance's properties are unknown.{{wob ref|12680}} The [[Southern Scadrian]]s use harmonium to create powerful bombs,{{book ref|mb6|22}} which the [[Set]] have been trying to replicate with limited success.{{book ref|mb6|epilogue}} Harmonium corrodes and can react strongly in contact with the air; in order to prevent this, it is stored within oil.{{book ref|mb7|13}}{{book ref|mb7|15}} It does not react with acids.{{book ref|mb7|13}}
  +
  +
It is soft and pliable like gold, especially when heated via flame or electricity.{{book ref|mb7|13}}{{book ref|mb7|15}} When heated by electricity and slowly drawn apart, a nugget of harmonium begins to separate, with the two parts beginning to take on the traits of atium and lerasium. However, when the string of metal between them is cut, both sides return to being mere harmonium.{{book ref|mb7|15}}
  +
  +
It has an extraordinarily high melting point, above 3,000 degrees.{{book ref|mb7|13}} When heated, it lets off a full spectrum of light, with an unknown color of the spectrum going off the spectrometric scale.{{book ref|mb7|13}}
  +
  +
=== Reaction to Trellium ===
  +
When harmonium has electric currents moving passing through it the metal softens and can be split in half.{{book ref|mb7|15}} If, during this process, [[trellium]] is inserted between the two pieces a violent reaction occurs as the matter of both metals are converted into pure energy. This reaction is not complete, only converting a small fraction of the used metals into energy.{{book ref|mb7|17}} The blast is powerful enough that not even [[Autonomy]] or [[Harmony]] are aware as to how strong an explosion of it can be.{{book ref|mb7|69}} Minor fragments of [[lerasium]] and [[atium]] are also produced by this reaction.{{book ref|mb7|71}}{{book ref|mb7|epilogue|4}}
  +
  +
Harmonium and Trellium repel each other, with the strength of repulsion becoming stronger the closer they are forced together.{{book ref|mb7|15}}
   
 
== Metallic Arts ==
  
== Metallic Arts ==
  +
{{image|Ettmetal (Alloy of Law).svg|side=right|width=200px}}
−
The [[Allomancy|Allomantic]], [[Feruchemy|Feruchemical]], and [[Hemalurgy|Hemalurgic]] properties of ettmetal are unknown.{{wob ref|6082}} Because of its volatile nature near water, ingesting ettmetal is likely to be fatal for Allomancers, though a full [[Allomancy|Mistborn]], with access to [[gold]] [[Compounding]], could burn it for some effect.{{wob ref|9321}} Hemalurgic spikes would also likely be difficult to create, due to the metals reactivity, however, it is not impossible.{{wob ref|9275}}
 +
The [[Allomancy|Allomantic]], [[Feruchemy|Feruchemical]], and [[Hemalurgy|Hemalurgic]] properties of harmonium are unknown.{{wob ref|6082}} Because of its volatile nature near water, ingesting harmonium is likely to be fatal for Allomancers, though a full [[Allomancy|Mistborn]] who is also able to heal through the explosive damage (e.g., by [[Compounding]] [[Gold#Feruchemical Use|Feruchemical gold]] for health) could burn it for some effect.{{wob ref|9321}} Hemalurgic spikes would also likely be difficult to create, due to the metal's reactivity; however, it is not impossible.{{wob ref|9275}}
   
 
=== Mechanical Uses ===
  
=== Mechanical Uses ===
−
In conjunction with south [[Scadrian]] technology, ettmetal can reproduce Allomantic or Feruchemical powers within its vicinity.{{book ref|mb6|17}}{{book ref|mb6|29}} The Southern Scadrian have also used the metal in '''primer cubes''' which can somehow regulate ettmetal's effects with the flip of a switch.{{book ref|mb6|17}} When used Allomantically, the metal is said to burn "with a pure whiteness" and will slowly be consumed,{{book ref|mb6|22}} in the same way it would be by a Misting or Mistborn. It is used to fuel Southern Scadrian Allomantic technology, including their airships that run via [[steel]]pushing.{{book ref|mb6|22}}
 +
In conjunction with Southern [[Scadrian]] technology, harmonium can reproduce Allomantic or Feruchemical powers within its vicinity.{{book ref|mb6|17}}{{book ref|mb6|29}} The Southern Scadrians have also used the metal in '''primer cubes''' which can somehow regulate harmonium's effects with the flip of a switch.{{book ref|mb6|17}} When used Allomantically, the metal is said to burn "with a pure whiteness" and will slowly be consumed,{{book ref|mb6|22}} in the same way it would be by a Misting or Mistborn. It is used to fuel Southern Scadrian Allomantic technology, including their airships that run via [[steel]]pushing.{{book ref|mb6|22}} It is theoretically possible to use a primer cube to reproduce other [[Investiture]]s, such as [[Surgebinding]].{{wob ref|15665}}
   
 
== Trivia ==
  
== Trivia ==
  ⚫
* If harmonium followed the naming conventions of the other God Metals it would have been named ''Sazedium''. However, [[Sazed]] didn't like the sound of it.{{wob ref|3539}}
−
* The term "harmonium" has never been used in the stories published so far, but Brandon Sanderson introduced the term in one of his talks even before the release of [[Shadows of Self]]{{wob ref|1033}} and has afterwards confirmed that it is another term for ettmetal.{{wob ref|2544}} [[Marasi]] probably did not know the term harmonium when [[Allik]] described ettmetal to her, as otherwise the word would have translated.{{book ref|mb6|22}}
  
  ⚫
*[[Brandon Sanderson]] has described harmonium as "super-cesium" in reference to its violent chemical reaction with water.{{wob ref|2544}} [[Wikipedia:Cesium|Cesium]], like other real-life [[wikipedia:Alkali_metal|alkali metals]], is extremely reactive and will cause an explosion with water even at sub-zero temperatures. He later clarified that cesium was not intended as a direct analogue; harmonium would theoretically be classified as an alkali metal, although it has a different melting point.{{wob ref|10577}}
⚫
* If harmonium followed the naming conventions of the other god metals it would have been named ''Sazedium''. However, [[Sazed]] didn't like the sound of it.{{wob ref|3539}}
  
  +
* The Mistborn Metal Dice Set from Crafty Games lists a non-canonical description of harmonium's properties, stating "Unknown in the Classic Era, Harmonium replicates the effects of nearby Allomantic or Feruchemical metals." It also lists harmonium as an Internal and Pushing God Metal.{{url ref|url=https://i2.wp.com/www.crafty-games.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/component-cfg14002-mistborn-metal-dice-harmonium.png|text=Harmonium dice description|site=Crafty Games}}
⚫
*[[Brandon Sanderson]] has described harmonium as "super-cesium" in reference to its violent chemical reaction with water.{{wob ref|2544}} [[Wikipedia:Cesium|Cesium]], like other alkali metals, is an extremely reactive real life metal and will cause an explosion with water even at sub-zero temperatures.
  
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==
 
<references />
  
<references />
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{{complete}}
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{{partial}}
 
{{Mistborn Era 2}}
  
{{Mistborn Era 2}}
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{{Mistborn|metals|sub-box cats=}}
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{{Mistborn|metals}}
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[[es:Ettmetal]]

Latest revision as of 16:41, 2 October 2023

Harmonium
Ettmetal.svg
Ettmetal (Feruchemy).svg
by Isaac Stewart
Metal type God Metal (Harmony)
Properties Power Metallic Arts technologies
Explode when mixed with water
Universe Cosmere
This page or section needs to be updated with new information for The Lost Metal!
Be aware that in its current state, it may not include all additional content yet.

Harmonium, also known as ettmetal, is the God Metal of Harmony. It is used in some of the Southern Scadrians' Metallic Arts technologies.[1][2]

Properties[edit]

Harmonium is the condensed elemental form of Harmony's power. Alloying atium and lerasium will not produce harmonium. While difficult, it is possible to obtain atium and lerasium from harmonium, but not through mechanical means.[3]

Storing too much harmonium in one place supposedly can lead to the production of a perpendicularity, due to the large concentration of Investiture. Due to this, the South Scadrians make it a rule to never store too much harmonium together.[4][5]

Chemical Properties[edit]

Due to the merging of Ruin and Preservation's intents into Harmony, harmonium's Spiritual aspect is in opposition with itself, leading to effects on the metal's Physical aspect, which makes it extremely reactive.[6][7] It reacts violently with water, similar to alkali metals. After reacting with water, residual harmonium hydroxide is left behind, though the substance's properties are unknown.[8] The Southern Scadrians use harmonium to create powerful bombs,[9] which the Set have been trying to replicate with limited success.[10] Harmonium corrodes and can react strongly in contact with the air; in order to prevent this, it is stored within oil.[11][4] It does not react with acids.[11]

It is soft and pliable like gold, especially when heated via flame or electricity.[11][4] When heated by electricity and slowly drawn apart, a nugget of harmonium begins to separate, with the two parts beginning to take on the traits of atium and lerasium. However, when the string of metal between them is cut, both sides return to being mere harmonium.[4]

It has an extraordinarily high melting point, above 3,000 degrees.[11] When heated, it lets off a full spectrum of light, with an unknown color of the spectrum going off the spectrometric scale.[11]

Reaction to Trellium[edit]

When harmonium has electric currents moving passing through it the metal softens and can be split in half.[4] If, during this process, trellium is inserted between the two pieces a violent reaction occurs as the matter of both metals are converted into pure energy. This reaction is not complete, only converting a small fraction of the used metals into energy.[12] The blast is powerful enough that not even Autonomy or Harmony are aware as to how strong an explosion of it can be.[13] Minor fragments of lerasium and atium are also produced by this reaction.[14][15]

Harmonium and Trellium repel each other, with the strength of repulsion becoming stronger the closer they are forced together.[4]

Metallic Arts[edit]

by Isaac Stewart

The Allomantic, Feruchemical, and Hemalurgic properties of harmonium are unknown.[16] Because of its volatile nature near water, ingesting harmonium is likely to be fatal for Allomancers, though a full Mistborn who is also able to heal through the explosive damage (e.g., by Compounding Feruchemical gold for health) could burn it for some effect.[17] Hemalurgic spikes would also likely be difficult to create, due to the metal's reactivity; however, it is not impossible.[18]

Mechanical Uses[edit]

In conjunction with Southern Scadrian technology, harmonium can reproduce Allomantic or Feruchemical powers within its vicinity.[19][20] The Southern Scadrians have also used the metal in primer cubes which can somehow regulate harmonium's effects with the flip of a switch.[19] When used Allomantically, the metal is said to burn "with a pure whiteness" and will slowly be consumed,[9] in the same way it would be by a Misting or Mistborn. It is used to fuel Southern Scadrian Allomantic technology, including their airships that run via steelpushing.[9] It is theoretically possible to use a primer cube to reproduce other Investitures, such as Surgebinding.[21]

Trivia[edit]

  • If harmonium followed the naming conventions of the other God Metals it would have been named Sazedium. However, Sazed didn't like the sound of it.[1]
  • Brandon Sanderson has described harmonium as "super-cesium" in reference to its violent chemical reaction with water.[2] Cesium, like other real-life alkali metals, is extremely reactive and will cause an explosion with water even at sub-zero temperatures. He later clarified that cesium was not intended as a direct analogue; harmonium would theoretically be classified as an alkali metal, although it has a different melting point.[22]
  • The Mistborn Metal Dice Set from Crafty Games lists a non-canonical description of harmonium's properties, stating "Unknown in the Classic Era, Harmonium replicates the effects of nearby Allomantic or Feruchemical metals." It also lists harmonium as an Internal and Pushing God Metal.[23]

Notes[edit]

  1. ↑ a b /r/books AMA 2015
    — Arcanum - 2015-07-06#
  2. ↑ a b Arcanum Unbounded Hoboken signing
    — Arcanum - 2016-12-03#
  3. ↑ Skyward Houston signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-11-19#
  4. ↑ a b c d e f The Lost Metal chapter 15#
  5. ↑ The Lost Metal chapter 59#
  6. ↑ Boskone 54
    — Arcanum - 2017-02-19#
  7. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Hoboken signing
    — Arcanum - 2016-12-03#
  8. ↑ Stuttgart signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-05-17#
  9. ↑ a b c The Bands of Mourning chapter 22#
  10. ↑ The Bands of Mourning epilogue#
  11. ↑ a b c d e The Lost Metal chapter 13#
  12. ↑ The Lost Metal chapter 17#
  13. ↑ The Lost Metal chapter 69#
  14. ↑ The Lost Metal chapter 71#
  15. ↑ The Lost Metal epilogue 4#
  16. ↑ Hero of Ages Q&A - Time Waster's Guide
    — Arcanum - 2008-10-15#
  17. ↑ Emerald City Comic Con 2018
    — Arcanum - 2018-03-01#
  18. ↑ Emerald City Comic Con 2018
    — Arcanum - 2018-03-01#
  19. ↑ a b The Bands of Mourning chapter 17#
  20. ↑ The Bands of Mourning chapter 29#
  21. ↑ YouTube Spoiler Stream 4
    — Arcanum - 2022-06-16#
  22. ↑ General Reddit 2017
    — Arcanum - 2017-01-02#
  23. ↑ Harmonium dice description
    — Crafty Games #
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