Lumewood
Properties
Material Characteristics
This wood is wood which glows in the dark, due to long exposure to the Luminous Sea.
Physical & Chemical Properties
The bark of this wood does not glow, so the glowing properties do not appear until it is harvested to make things with and bark is removed. It does not burn well, and is particularly moist, so is fire-resistant. It is also mold- and mildew-resistant. Some is harvested from live trees that grow near the sea, but it can also be created by submersing harvested wood for large periods of time on purpose to create it. Wood submerged to create Lumewood is typically not as vibrant as that which is harvested/grown in the environment. Older trees also have brighter wood.
Geology & Geography
This wood is grown on the shores of the Luminous Sea.
Life & Expiration
So far, an expiration has not been found, and the wood appears to glow forever at the same brightness. That brightness is determined by how long the tree or wood was exposed to the water of the luminous sea before harvest.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Lumewood can be used to make anything that normal wood can be used to make - but it will glow. However, it doesn't burn well. It's good in marine environments due to its' naturally mold- and mild-resistant properties.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Some societies in the world value it for different things, but one common use is nightlights or children's toys.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Lumewood is hard to find or create and uncommon, so it is highly valued. Most people only ever see trinket quantities of it. Few ever see large portions, such as furniture or ships unless they are astronomically rich.
Storage
Like any wood, it should be properly cut and dried before usage to make anything you don't want to warp or change over time. It can be finished and handled like almost any other wood.
Type
Wood
Value
Expensive
Rarity
Uncommon
Color
Any shade of brown, with blue or green glow in the dark.
Common State
Solid
Can any wood be submerged, or does it have to be of the specific trees found on the coast? I would think if it can be any wood then the material would be more widespread, but you do have it listed as uncommon and expensive, which makes me think it isn't as simple. Perhaps the non-native woods, since they dont glow as brightly are considered fake or false-lumewood. Another use, at least on the sea in question, that i could see for larger projects is navigation buoys and/or docks, which would allow ports with more access to the wood to be "24-hour" operations, potentially giving them an advantage over others where one cannot dock/depart at night. Such a great little thing to add to your world with potentially far-reaching consequences.
Any wood can be submerged, but the non-native woods take much longer to "take" the glow, and won't ever be as bright as the native woods, much less the woods that grew along the coast and are harvested already with the property to them. I will definitely expand on/clarify that after January! I love the idea of glowing docks - I might have to draw some. Thanks for reading!