Assay (sage ability)

Assay is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Geology which enables a character to assess the presence or amount of specific material in a sample of rock, to determine the practical use of smelting or purifying the rock in order to obtain its metallic or mineral worth.

As such, the character is also able to identify the principle mineral form, as well as its more obvious impurities by sight. Detailed, precise assessment of all contents requires the use of a laboratory and the study of alchemy. Note that this knowledge also applies to the identification of gemstones, whether unpolished, polished or gemcut, as well as if the approximate value of the stone is ornamental, fancy, semi-precious or precious.

The skill at recognizing the effects of the spell fool's gold will be found under the as yet undone page, Goldmaven (sage ability).