Ja'al Stones
Ja'al Stones are made from the sap of the @ tree. This sap is somewhat resinous and may be gently heated to remove some of the excess moisture to make it more resinous. This is so it will hold its shape when it is formed into a stone shape. While many shapes can be found, the most common shape is a cabochon. The cabochon's flat back and dome-shaped front make it an excellent form for creating Ja'al. The flat back affords maximum body contact while also allowing for as much light to shine in/through the stone from the front. Smaller Ja'al may be worn as periapts, as in the ??? culture. Necklaces or choker-bands that keep the stone in the hollow of the throat are also popular. There is one story of a Ja'al crafted as a familial signet ring, with the family sigil in it. This particular tale is usually considered mythical due to the potential damage/discoloration to the Ja'al if dipped in hot wax or ink. They are initially colorless. The Ja'al "bond" with the owner over time through skin contact, perhaps as oil or aura is absorbed. This is referred to as imprinting. The colors vary by sebb . The intensity of that color is influenced by the length of ownership by one person. Ja'al can be given to direct descendants who have a sufficiently close body chemistry/DNA. Most frequent is mother/daughter or father/son, although other combinations are possible. What is required is a strong bond between the two. In these cases of multigenerational ownership, the Ja'al take on a definite, but subtle glow. Nothing to read by or light your way, and usually invisible beyond a span or three.
They are thought to have significant magical properties that vary by owner. These rumors have not been confirmed or tested.
Ja'al are relatively indestructible when properly worn (touching skin). Apart from such contact, however, they become...brittle, for lack of a better descriptor; breaking/shattering and even turning to a useless powder.
The speed at which this occurs seems to be tied to the length of time as Ja'al. Raw resins or raw sap that are shaped into stones but haven't yet turned to Ja'al are
Mechanics & Inner Workings
No one is completely certain what makes Ja'al what they are. Some believe they are keyed to and triggered by the owner's aura. Others, with skin oils; although this latter group is challenged by needing to explain Ja'al among an-sebban that don't have noticable body oils. The only thing all agree on is that for Ja'al to form, it must stay in contact with the owner's skin.
Significance
Ja'al are valued as familial keepsakes, often passed from mother to daughter or father to son for several generations. Some times used to denote the passing of inheritance.
Item type
Jewelry / Valuable
Rarity
Ja'al are relatively rare but generally are not items of common theft. It is simple enough to create them; although not necessarily easy, depending on the travel needed to obtain the raw sap. The rest is mostly time with a single person. Because they are attuned to a specific body chemistry, they don't have much trade value.
There have been instances of Ja'al being stolen and held for ransom. The destruction of a glowing Ja'al because it was kept from contacting the owner's skin once caused a bit of a kerfluffle. (See BattleOverJa'al ).
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