should Zaayr scales bio-degrade over time so they aren't permanent gems?

[Plane]

That's about the only way I can see why there wouldn't be something like a single captive Zayr just be "mined" in a constant descaling+bioregeneration loop of torture (by Splugorth or otherwise, maybe even self-inflicted to generate wealth for those in need?) since their scales can be substituted for literally anything TW needs and function better.

But if it was something that maybe fell apart after a month (as dead body parts are wont to do) then it would explain why it's not the huge infinite money-maker, since to constanntly get a supply of fresh scales would mean keeping the Zaayr available, so the Splugorth might want it for experimental +50% output devices, but it wouldn't be useful for powering TW laser pistols you'd need to work in isolation for months/years

[drewkitty ~..~]

Sure they would degrade...at the same rate as natural gems do.

It is not like they are made out of carbon compounds that can be bio-degraded.