From stone or rain I often start, expanding outward from my heart.

I’m soft, delicate, and silky, but if you’re wrapped in me, you’ll scream - if you can. What am I.

A journey began because of me. An empire fell because of me. To one, I was merely a circle of gold. To another, I became my precious. I can seal a vow, tempt a heart, Or change the fate of an entire world.

I am of great abundance, spread far and wide. Collected by the neglected, and returned to by all.

You don't want to be caught up creek without me, Or be left adrift with just the board I come with, You need two of me to play table tennis, I'm a classic first movement you learn to swim