Quaternion algebra ($(a,b{)}_k=k⟨i,j⟩/(i^2-a,j^2-b,ij+ji)$)

For a field of characteristic other than two and nonzero $a,b$, the quaternion algebra has basis $1,i,j,ij$ with the displayed relations. It is a four-dimensional central simple algebra. After adjoining a square root of $a$, diagonalizing $i$ and taking $j=\left(\begin{array}{cc}0& b\\ 1& 0\end{array}\right)$ identifies it with $M_2$. Quaternion conjugation fixes scalars and negates $i,j,ij$, giving norm $x_0^2-a{x}_1^2-b{x}_2^2+ab{x}_3^2$. An element is invertible exactly when its norm is nonzero. Thus the quaternion algebra is either a division algebra or a split matrix algebra. The familiar quaternion algebra is $(-1,-1{)}_{\mathbb{R}}$.

For $p\equiv 3(\mathrm{mod}4)$ and $z=x+iy\ne 0$ with rational $x,y$, divide $x^2+y^2$ by the square of the common minimum $p$-adic valuation. Its remaining unit cannot vanish modulo $p$, because $-1$ is not a square there. The norm therefore has even valuation. In particular a rational parameter $a$ with odd valuation at such a prime is not a norm, and $(-1,a{)}_{\mathbb{Q}}$ is a division quaternion algebra: its norm $N(z)-aN(w)$ cannot vanish for a nonzero element $z+wj$.