Mage staff gem
Since 08/05/31 (news display guilds.mage 56 <analytics uacct="UA-3466433-3" ></analytics>) there has been special mage gems in game that offer various effects when attached to a mage staff.
Known gems
You can 'buy' list of gems known from Ballior. By giving a gem to him, he tells you if its one of those special gems. Beware that he bugs a bit and might simply keep the gem too.
Abilities
Known effects are increased spmax, ability to store spells and invoke them and increased damage with certain damage type.
Adding gems
The staff can only hold up to 5 gems but you can 'pry' out old ones. You can attach new ones with the workbench found in the room where Ebas lives in mage tower. You need to charge it first by inserting scroll of charging after you can operate it to attach gems.