Orichalcum- Light of Creation. Moonsilver Essence of the Wyld. What if soulsteel is the Essence of the Neverborn. It isn't just an ore found in the Labyrinth but part of the being of the Neverborn themselves. They have to travel to the very lowest level of the Labyrinth to find the material. They use part of the tombs of the Primordials that their dead consciousness is kept in and use it to imprison ghosts. Or they use jet black matter from the Labyrinth that part of the (unintelligible) sub division that at once imprisons the Primordials and shapes according to their dreams. Unlike Malfeas the Uderworld and the Labyrinth were created without design and by accident. In a way the Labyrinth appears to resemble the Wyld presumably changing form according to the Neverborns' thoughts. Their thoughts more than words or images echo through the Labyrinth, twisting it and bringing insanity. Maybe these black, semi tangible nightmares coalesce temporarily into eddies of insanity and malice. This is the Essence that soulsteelsmiths use.
   Perhaps the magical materials are actually made from Essence in some way. They are made from a specific type of Essence that relates to the Exalted who use it. In a way magical materials are similar to hearthstones. For instance jade is material brought about by the life giving effect of Elementals.