The Origin of Black Ice

Corsets were just out-of-style at its debut.

Scientists and citizens came to see the crystal, newly discovered in a Somerset cave. Cuts were freely available. Scientists brought cases to take samples to labs. Citizens used jewelers outside the gates to make fashionable pieces.

Scientists soon noticed the crystal flattened to invisibly slick at freezing and that it materialized in outside locations when the temperatures dropped. Citizens soon noticed wheels and heels slid on streets and sidewalks on the coldest days.

Every piece on Earth was thought destroyed, but it still appears every winter everywhere on roadways and walkways.