What is a soul crystal?

[Xeia]

I haven't done Paladin, so I don't know if I'm missing context, but to me it sounds like they could mean "stolen" in more of a metaphorical way. Or, like. Not so much he went and stole a crystal, but that he left (or was cast out? or what?), and the crystal went with him, so they considered it stolen from them. Or I guess since it's a literal crystal, he may have considered it his, when he left with it, but the Sultansworn didn't?

Yes, I agree! Completely. I should have explained more clearly that this is how I interpret what Jenlyns said, since I don't believe and of them were literally stolen. This would work if you were given Solkzagyl's or if he managed to make one based on the fact that he had his (which the Sultansworn still considers stolen).

I didn't really believe there was any specific lore aspect to the soul crystals other than what was stated in the item description - i.e: that they're crystals containing the memories of those who had that Job in the distant past.

I guess in a literal sense they're essentially a container for the souls and knowledge related to that Job. But I guess that's just me rationalizing what is just meant to be a game-play mechanic and giving it a lore-based explanation.

That still begs the question of how they're equipped. If just holding them is good enough then why don't we have the skills of all eight jobs at the same time? And what if somebody snatched my White Mage crystal from me and ran off? Would they then become a White Mage? It's true that it isn't really elaborated beyond what you've said, but that's why speculation is necessary ^^ And fun, I think.