Caecophane

Properties

Material Characteristics

A glittering gem akin to goldstone, it's black with glittering specks that range in colour from very dark blues, purples, and blacks, to the occasional red.

Physical & Chemical Properties

These gems appear to absorb light when brought up from the mines, making it seem luminescent in lower light conditions. The material is quite hard, equally as much so as diamonds.

Geology & Geography

Caecophane is most commonly found in the Lumin mines, though there is no apparent rhyme or reason to where it forms. It is theorized by locals that the gem is formed because of fey magic somehow interacting with large iron deposits in the ground.

History & Usage

Discovery

Caecophane was first offically discovered by accident when the Nightingale family began establishing mines to help boost the country's economy and set up trade approximately 200 years ago. Any prior knowledge of the gem, if there had been any, is unrecorded.

Everyday use

Caecophane is highly sought after for jewelry and fashion. It has also been used in crown jewels and even ceremonial armours. Because of its dark colouration, it's most often paired with lighter fabrics or metals to make the overall piece look darker.
Luminese jewel cutters are the only ones skilled enough to cut this gem, and it is rarely ever given facets.
Mages often try to find uses for the gems in their arcane pursuits, however it is non-responsive to arcane magic. It would, however be quite good for witchcraft, if a witch were to be able to get ahold of some. Unfortunately, this gem is not available for common folk to obtain, as it is highly valuable.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Lumin is the primary exporter of caecophane, with their most prolific customers being the wealthy of Laspos, as well as several well-to-do families in Barque, Crecia, and even the nobles of Finnaden.
Caecophane is most certainly a luxury gem, due to its rarity and beauty.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Color

Dark Blue, Dark Purple, Black, or Red