Coming along with the many features to be introduced with this month's version update will be a new "Evolith" system just unveiled today. Evolith are stones that can be used to slot into gear conferring powerful bonuses. The stones are obtained through "hunt regimes" targeted at NM's or notorious monsters.
A new crafting discipline called synergy will allow for players to etch up to three Evolith slots into their equipment, as well. In general, if you're familiar with the concept of gem socketing you should get the general idea of the new Evolith system.
For more details on the Evolith system, go here.