[There is no amount of talking about minerals that Paul would consider babbling, especially not when it overlaps with discussing economic systems. He has to all but bite his tongue not to start delving into his thoughts about the 'glittering trinkets' based barter system.]

Crystals may be easier than gold, if alchemy has any relationship to the laws of nature as they are. You can grow quartz in a pressure vessel, though you wouldn't be likely to find the materials for it here -

[That's not better. He laughs at himself, shaking his head.]

I apologize. I keep getting caught up in projects. All I mean is that the principles exist.