Nethicite

Nethicite
In the world of Ivalice in Final Fantasy XII Nethicite is the most powerful source of magical energy. There are two types of Nethicite; Deifacted and Manufacted.

Deifacted nethicite
Deifacted nethicite was created by the Occuria in the form of the Sun Cryst. It has a large amount of magical energy stored within it. The Occuria chose to give Nethicite first to the Garif but they would not and could not use it to impact the world's events, so it was taken from them. King Raithwall was then selected. He was given a sword that could cleave pieces from the Sun Cryst so that he could wield the power of Nethicite in his hands. He severed three pieces, the Dawn Shard, the Dusk Shard and the Midlight Shard. Each of these pieces held so much power that it guaranteed his victory in battles and his legend. He also possessed a weapon capable of destroying the Nethicite, The Sword of Kings.

The three pieces of Nethicite had great power, but could only be used once before needing to recharge slowly over hundreds of years. Judge Zecht used the Midlight shard to destroy Nabudis. Judge Ghis used the Dawn Shard and accidentally destroyed himself and the entire 8th fleet.

The Occuria chose Ashe to be the next Dynast King and provided her the Treaty Blade in order to carve more Nethicite shards to grant her the power to destroy her enemies and rule.

Manufacted Nethicite
Manufacted Nethicite was created by Dr. Cidolphus under direction from the rogue Occuria Venat. The Nethicite was created in the Draklor Labs from Magicite taken from the Lhusu Mines, Where Lord Larsa was searching for more information about it. Manufacted Nethicite absorbs magickal energy, and can stop or disrupt magick attacks directly at the wielder. It is later revealed that if someone were to become bonded with the Manufacted Nethicite, they could increase their strength and magical abilities immensely. Judge Bergan, Dr. Cid, and Vayne Solidor are all known to have done this. Judge Ghis regarded Manufacted Nethicite as a weak bauble next to true Deifacted Nethicite.

Nethicite related artifacts
There are 2 artifacts in the game that hold any power over Nethicite:

The Sword of Kings, which can either destroy nethicite, or cut pieces off the Sun-Cryst. Given to King Raithwall by the Occuria, they gave him this sword so that he may take as much nethicite as he wanted from the Sun-Cryst. Cutting off three shards, he used these shards to begin his rule of Ivalice. The sword was then sealed far away, in the Stilshrine of Miriam. It was probably stored here, so that no one would be able to destroy the nethicite.

The Treaty Blade,which can either destroy nethicite, or cut pieces off the Sun-Cryst. Given to Princess Ashe by the Occuria, they gave her this sword so that she may take her own pieces of nethicite from the Sun-Cryst.

Additionally, there are three pieces of Deifacted Nethicite. Each piece is said to be able to reveal a true descendant of King Raithwall, the Dynast King:

The Dusk Shard is hidden in the Royal Palace of Rabanastre. It is proof of royal lineage of the Dalmascan line. Currently, Dr Cid holds this shard.

The Dawn Shard is hidden in the Tomb of Raithwall. This piece was found and subsequently used, destroying the Airship Leviathan and the entire 8th fleet. Currently, Princess Ashe holds this shard, but it is drained of power.

The Midlight Shard was held by the House Nabradia. However, after the Archadian invasion of Nabradia, Archadia was able to get a hold of this shard of Nethicite. Wanting to test its power, they sent Judge Zecht to Nabudis. The results were catastophic, destroying the capital and covering the area in a thick mist. Currently, Dr Cid holds this shard.