I noticed that some spells use an asterisk to denote a placeholder for the specific material, as well as something in the range/area.  However no indication in the description of what the asterisk in the range/area is referring to.  I would suggest either using a double asterisk, or even the dagger † or double dagger ‡ which would have the section in the description indicated with the same.  

Example Dust Devil

I noticed in the above linking the asterisks are removed, but shown on details page, or in the list when looking up spells.