Elements are used for Enchantments - magic applied to artifacts to increase their properties (more damage, more magical power, more defense, etc.)
So, Elements can stay forever in your inventory, but as soon as you turn them into Enchantments, they'll "decay" as the durability of the artifact they have been used on decreases.
More information on the subject here:
http://www.warriors-guild.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=319 |