You can buy Soul Gems in Oblivion from various sources, primarily from members of the Mage Guild and alchemy or magic shops in major cities. These vendors typically stock Common Soul Gems up to Grand Soul Gems, though their inventory is limited and restocks slowly, usually every 7 in-game days. For example, Alves Uvenim in the Leyawiin Mages Guild is known to sell Grand Soul Gems for around 350 gold
. Other ways to obtain Soul Gems include:
- Looting them from mages, necromancers, or other enemies who carry them
- Finding them in chests or containers scattered throughout the game world, especially in Mage Guild halls and during related quests
- Creating Black Soul Gems by upgrading Grand Soul Gems at specific necromancer altars during certain in-game events
- Acquiring the unique Azura's Star by completing the Shrine of Azura quest, which acts as an infinite Soul Gem
A popular farming spot to repeatedly collect Soul Gems involves entering a dungeon called Ceyatatar via a trap door, looting two chests that always contain Soul Gems, then leaving and waiting for 72 hours in-game for the chests to respawn their contents
. In summary, the best places to buy Soul Gems are Mage Guild members and alchemy/magic merchants in major cities, supplemented by looting enemies and exploring Mage Guild areas for chests containing Soul Gems
