Jalased

Jalased is a mineral described in the fictional encyclopedia of the world of Atheria. It is prized for its light-scattering properties and is used in optics, jewelry, and ceremonial artifacts.

The name derives from the ancient Kharan word jalasa, meaning to shine. The term first appears in the Jade Codex, a treaty-chronicle dated to the seventh century, and subsequently spread through artisan guilds.

Jalased is typically translucent to opaque with a vitreous luster. It ranges in color from pale blue to emerald green and often shows internal iridescence from needle-like inclusions. It has a hardness of about 6.5 on the Mohs scale.

Geologically, jalased forms in pegmatitic veins within basaltic regions adjacent to volcanic activity. Crystals are prismatic or tabular and may reach several centimeters. Mining is hazardous due to gas pockets and unstable walls; extraction yields are irregular and costly.

In practical use, jalased serves in high-precision lenses and prisms, as well as jewelry and decorative pieces. Its scarcity and color variation make authentic pieces valuable, with trade controlled by the Lumen Guild to certify cut quality and origin.

Culturally, jalased artifacts are associated with light rites and status distinctions in Atheria. Some regions reserve certain colors for ceremonial roles, while others use jalased in public displays of diplomacy and art. Export quotas help maintain local supplies.