Dragonskin

A material with a complicated past, dragonskin, dragonscale, or dragonhide is a fireproof material collected from dragons. Although all three terms are used (mostly) interchangeably, dragonskin technically encompasses both other terms, with dragonscale(s) referring to shed skin, and dragonhide (or dragon leather) referring to skins taken directly from a dragon.
Although dragonskin is hardly the only fireproof material in the magical world, it is sturdy, tough, and... mired in classist ideology. Since the material needs to be collected from wild dragons, it is inherently dangerous and thus rare. Dragonscales are safer to collect but need to be treated to maintain their fireproof status, and tend to be less fancy than dragonhide, since shed skin looks less impressive than non-shed scales.
On the other hand, dragonhide is more dangerous to collect, since it requires a dragon to be killed. Most countries with wild dragons outlaw hunting them, and new dragonhide is thus only rarely made accessible, further upping its inherent value.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Though the exact form depends on what type it is, dragonskin looks, well, like reptile skin! Dragonscales are often single shed scales, or a few connected together in a larger patch, while dragonhide consists of a full treated skin, scales and all. Its exact look, texture, and coloration depends on the dragon species the skin came from, though dragonskin is always taken from fireproof species.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Dragonskin is naturally fireproof, though shed scales have to be treated to ensure their maintain full resistance. It is naturally resilient and tough, and even shed skin tends to be leather-like in nature, though dragonhide is significantly tougher than regular leather. Though it smells like fire and ash, it's no warmer than regular leather.

Geology & Geography

Dragonskin can only be collected from certain species of dragons, which are found (almost) exclusively in the wild. While habitat varies per species, all wild dragons prefer secluded and often dangerous environments... not the mention the inherent danger of approaching a wild dragon or its den.

Origin & Source

As suggested by its name, dragonskin is collected from dragons. Dragonscales are (naturally) shed scales, which can often be found in the dragon's territory, especially around its preferred den. Dragonhide, on the other hand, is taken directly from a dead dragon.

Life & Expiration

Dragonscales naturally lose (some of) their fireproof nature, but can be magically treated to prevent this. Though they don't lose their fireproof nature, all dragonskin can be damaged and, through this, wear out.

History & Usage

History

Dragonskin has a long and elaborate history, being one of the oldest known methods of fireproofing clothes, and serving as excellent armor as well. Though its usability has never gone away, many frown on its harvesting, even of just shed scales, as it has to be taken directly from nature, from already rare dragons. Many species of dragons face extinction, and hunters pursuing them for materials like dragonhide is a major threat to their continued existence.

Discovery

Dragonskin was discovered many times over, by many different people in many different places. Many people observed that some local dragons may be fireproof, and experimented to discover that their shed scales or hide would offer that same immunity to a person wearing them.

Everyday use

Though it has largely fallen out of favor due to its rarity (and the emergence of other, more accessible materials), dragonskin was used as a fireproof material in everyday life. It was especially useful for the brewing of many potions, but also made excellent armor, and was oftentimes used by animal handlers, especially around (potentially) fire-breathing magical animals (like, indeed, other dragons).

Cultural Significance and Usage

Dragonskin, and especially dragonhide, used to be (and often still is) used to denote class. As a material it remains rare and oftentimes beautiful in appearance, while also being practical in many ways. High-ranking officers in armies could be clad in dragonskin, or rich students in schools might wear dragonskin gloves during potions classes instead of a more common alternative.
Some cultures also connect greater symbolism or significance to dragonskin. This tends to be more common in areas where (fireproof) dragons naturally occur, and where people might thus live (relatively) close by them.

Refinement

Most dragonskin needs to be treated in some way. Dragonscales need to be treated to ensure they maintain their fireproof nature, whereas dragonhide needs to be tanned into leather to be usable as clothing (or armor).

Manufacturing & Products

Dragonskin is typically used for fireproof clothing or, historically, as armor. Especially common are dragonskin gloves, as fireproof gloves are especially handy for the creation of many potions.

Reusability & Recycling

Like other types of leather, dragonskin is sturdy and lasts a long time. Assuming it hasn't gotten damaged somehow, it can typically be reused to create some other dragonskin product, and may even be sewn together (with fireproof thread) to create new, larger products.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Though for a very long time dragonskin was a common product, due to the usability of fireproof material but lack of alternative materials, these days it is a luxury.

Type

Biomaterial

Rarity

Rare

Odor

Leathery; dragonhide smells stronger, with a hint of ash and cinders

Taste

Like burnt leather

Color

Varies per species and type