Thermal Fracturing

This is a simple mod which causes rocks near firepits over 1000°C to fracture, allowing them to be removed by hand. This applies to any rocks and ores regardless of their mining tier.

Background

Here's a ChatGPT excerpt I plagiarized describing "fire setting" mining (AKA thermal fracturing):

Fire setting, an ancient mining technique, harnesses the elemental power of fire to extract valuable minerals from the earth. Predominantly used in prehistoric times and continuing into the early modern era, this method involved heating rock faces with large fires, then rapidly cooling them with water or vinegar. This sudden temperature change caused the rock to crack and fracture, facilitating easier extraction of ores. Fire setting was especially prevalent in mining operations for metals like gold, copper, and tin, where conventional tools of the era were insufficient to penetrate hard rock formations. The technique reflects early human ingenuity in overcoming natural barriers, although it was labor-intensive and posed significant risks, including the potential for uncontrolled fires and toxic fumes. Over time, with advancements in technology and an increased understanding of geology, fire setting was largely replaced by more efficient and safer mining methods. However, its historical significance lies in its contribution to early metallurgical developments and the shaping of mining practices.