In D&D 5th edition, there is a continuity among the spells that deal with returning life to the dead. Virtually all of them require an expenditure of diamond or diamond dust.
- Revivify diamonds worth 300 gp
- Raise Dead diamond worth at least 500 gp
- Resurrection a diamond worth at least 1,000 gp
- True Resurrection a sprinkle of holy water and diamonds worth at least 25,000gp
Additionally, some restorative spells require similar materials:
- Clone diamond worth at least 1,000 gp
- Greater Restoration diamond dust worth at least 100 gp
Because of this, my players have realized that there is a different order of value placed upon any diamonds they find. An opal or sapphire might be spent, but the diamonds they find are hoarded against possible future need.To be fair, diamonds are used in other spells, but in these they are thematically linked enough to impart the gem a symbolic meaning of restoration, at least in the games we play.
I realize that this doesn't change the value of diamonds in a monetary sense. 500 gp worth of diamonds is worth 500 gp, regardless if they are 10gp/carat, or 50 gp/carat. However, it has got me wondering. Since this does make diamonds special in the eyes of my players, setting them apart from other gems which are largely treated as high denomination currency, are there other gems or substances (precious or not) among the material components in the spell list which are likewise identified with a certain type of spell?
Such information would be good to have for anything from simple flavor to home brewing new spells.