# 2008 Magic: The Gathering Shards of Alara #53

> Protomatter Powder is a 2008 foil uncommon artifact card from the Shards of Alara expansion in Magic: The Gathering.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2008
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Shards of Alara
- **Card number**: #53
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Protomatter Powder, card number 53 in the Shards of Alara expansion, remains a notable inclusion for collectors of Magic: The Gathering artifacts. Released in 2008, this foil uncommon card captures the intricate world-building and mechanical diversity that defined the era of the game's design. The card features artwork by Francis Tsai, adding visual appeal to its functional role within the game. As an artifact with a mana cost of {2}{U}, Protomatter Powder serves as a key resource engine for players seeking to manipulate their graveyard. Its primary ability allows players to sacrifice the card to return another artifact from their graveyard to the battlefield, providing critical recursion value. This mechanic is particularly valuable in decks focused on artifact synergy, making the card a staple for enthusiasts of that specific playstyle. Collectors often seek out this card for its foil finish, which enhances its tactile quality and visual distinction within a collection. Protomatter Powder bridges the blue and white colors, reflecting the set's theme of fractured unity and reconstruction. For investors and hobbyists, cards from this period represent a significant chapter in Magic's history, showcasing the evolution of card design and strategic depth. The enduring appeal of such artifacts lies in their versatility and the nostalgia they evoke for long-time players. Whether building a themed collection or completing the Shards of Alara set, Protomatter Powder offers both aesthetic and functional value. Its status as an uncommon rarity ensures it is accessible while maintaining a distinct place in the expansion's ecosystem. The card's continued relevance in various formats underscores its lasting impact on the game's strategic landscape. By focusing on the integrity and provenance of each item, the marketplace supports collectors in building diverse and meaningful collections. This card stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation that continue to drive the trading card game forward.

## FAQ

### What does Protomatter Powder do in Magic: The Gathering?

Protomatter Powder is an artifact card that allows you to sacrifice it to return another artifact card from your graveyard to the battlefield. This provides a powerful recursion effect for artifact-based strategies.

### What set and rarity is Protomatter Powder from?

This card is from the Shards of Alara expansion, released in 2008. It is printed as an uncommon rarity and is identified by card number 53 in the set.

### Who is the artist of the Protomatter Powder card?

The artwork for Protomatter Powder was created by Francis Tsai, whose style is known for its detailed and dynamic representation of the game's fantasy world.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.