Alchemy - skill

Any character who has enough time and can read and write can open alchemy. Mastering the basics, i.e. opening, takes about half a year of hard study in the evenings (the exact time depends on the GM). To study, you need a textbook of general alchemy, ingredients worth about 10 gp and basic equipment.

Using items

If you master at least one feat of master alchemy, you can use any magical item that comes into your hands (even a wizard's scroll). You must, however, roll for success:

Using mana crystals

If you master at least one feat of master alchemy, you have no problem using mana crystals for purposes other than alchemy. You can use them, for example, for casting or pyrokinesis (if you master such arts) without having to learn the corresponding feat.