Weight: ½ lb.
Estimated Value (Sane Cost Guide): 750 gp
DMG Value: 501 gp - 5,000 gp

A mind crystal contains sorcerous potential, allowing a user to apply Metamagic to a spell as you cast it. For the non-sorcerers among us, Metamagic allows you to tweak and alter a spell to better suit your needs, such as extending its duration or increasing its range. While Metamagic is a sorcerer class feature that needs sorcery points to use, mind crystals are single-use items that can be used by anyone who can cast a spell.

Heightened Spell is one of the sorcerer's most expensive Metamagic options, and for good reason. The heightened mind crystal imposes disadvantage on a creature's first saving throw it makes against your spell, so save it for powerful enemies. Keep in mind that bosses probably want to avoid harmful conditions like incapacitated, paralyzed, or restrained, so use your mind crystal on spells that might force that dragon or lich to burn a Legendary Resistance!

Spell suggestions: banishment, command, earthbind, feeblemind, hold person, modify memory, vortex warp, zone of truth

FAQ: Mind Crystals

Can I use a mind crystal on spells with any casting time?
No. Mind crystals can only be used on spells with a casting time of 1 action.

Can I use more than one mind crystal on the same spell? Or if I'm a sorcerer, can I use a mind crystal and my own Metamagic on the same spell?
No. Spells can only be bent so far before they break; one Metamagic only, please. Sorcerers can apply Empowered Spell or Seeking Spell to a spell already modified by Metamagic, but that exception doesn’t apply to mind crystals. (Look what they need to mimic a fraction of your power.)

If the spell fails, is the mind crystal's magic consumed?
Yes. Spell failure doesn’t mean you didn’t spend the resources trying. Just ask disintegrate.

Source: Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

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