Gemetic Modifications

Gemetic modifications are processes through which a pre-existing Gem is altered, often but not exclusively to a type that doesn't belong to Homeworld. Modifications are usually considered to be irreversible; that is, just healing the Gemstone (even with all the Diamonds combined) will not return a modified Gem to their previous state.

## Types

### Artificial Fusion

Artificial fusion, sometimes called forced fusion or cluster fusion, is a process in which Gemstones or Gem shards are permanently fused together using some form of pressure, often by burying them together for extended periods of time. Gems modified this way often behave like extremely unstable cross-Gem fusions, attacking other Gems on sight and seldom developing their own individual identities—especially if shards are used rather than intact Gemstones. Chrysolite reportedly considered this form of modification "impractical and disgusting," and used it only sparingly during her unauthorized experiments.

Artificial fusion can be a by-product of poor Kindergarten setup if Gems are injected too close together, but this is extremely rare; only one such Gem is currently known to exist.

It can take thousands of years for an artificial fusion to properly incubate, but it doesn't have to. For example, Tiger Iron emerged alongside the other Gems of the Emergency Kindergarten, rather than millennia after them.

#### Known Artificial Fusions

* "Gem Mutants" and The Cluster (created from Gem shards)
* Tiger Iron (fused during incubation)
* Vivianite (created from one Gem's shards; further modified through unknown means)

### Pseudomorphing

Pseudomorphing is a form of Gemetic modification through which a pre-existing Gem's type is altered. This is done by burying the Gemstone in a specialized "shell" and in similar settings to those needed to grow the intended Gem type. The resulting Pseudomorph has all the original Gem's memories, as well as abilities and characteristics from both the original and new Gem types. Pseudomorphs tend to adopt a name that is a portmanteau of their original and new Gem types, though this is personal preference and not a strict rule. Thanks to Chrysolite, most modified Gems on Mars are Pseudomorphs.

Before Chrysolite perfected Pseudomorphing, most of her prototypes lost virtually all memory of their past selves, including most of their previous skills. Many of them, such as Orgonite, turned into Gem types that they weren't supposed to, or even types that didn't exist prior. These Pseudomorphs are considered defective. Chrysolite believed the "rejects" to be mindless, and locked them up in their active states to study them.

A Pseudomorphing can take up to decades, but, through her experiments, Chrysolite found a way to speed up the process to just a couple weeks.

#### Known Pseudomorphs

* Orgonite (first Pseudomorph ever made; defective)
* Bluebird (defective)
* Ruby Quartz
* Peridscha
* Lace Goldstone (first "perfect" Pseudomorph)
* Chameleon Diamond

### Reverse Fusion

Reverse fusion is the process of splitting an unfused Gem's Gemstone into two or more equal parts without truly breaking it. Curiously, rather than smaller copies of the original Gem, reverse fusion tends to create Gems that are each a different type from the original. Usually, these components each have all the memories of the parent Gem, but may interpret them differently depending on their individual personalities. Currently, the only known reliable way to cause a reverse-fusion is with a machine called the Splitter.

Just as fusions tend to have extra limbs or eyes, split Gems tend to be missing limbs or eyes. These Gems are also inherently weaker than their parent Gem, with fewer powers and more limitations. However, the abilities they do retain are often strengthened to some extent. If a reverse fused Gem's components fuse back together, their Gemstones tend to fit together seamlessly, though they may be visibly split if someone with the same Gem placement joins the fusion. The components of a reverse fusion generally adopt names in a way similar to cross-Gem fusions.

Using the Splitter, reverse fusion can take up to a few minutes, mostly depending on the size of the Gemstone and which angle it is being cut at. However, reverse fusion through other means can presumably take longer or shorter periods of time; for example, the splitting of Chameleon Diamond was near-instantaneous, occurring when she tried to form for the first time.

#### Known Reverse Fusions

* Scapolite (Lucinite and Andesine)
* Chameleon Diamond (Alexandrite and Zultanite)

### Diamond Dyeing

Natural and synthetic Diamonds alike have the ability to dye other Gems, though they don't typically do so on purpose. A dyed Gem will have an altered pallet, usually to match the color of the Diamond that dyed them. Dyeing tends to be the mildest form of modification, changing a Gem to a type very similar to their original self, though it does tend to affect their personality. As shown by Pink Howlite and Red Crackle Quartz, Gems with "invasive" abilities can be dyed on accident if they attempt to use their powers on a Diamond. Chameleon Diamond has mastered this form of modification, and is known to occasionally dye Gems with their consent.

Diamond dyeing can occur and manifest itself in a matter of seconds, and, unlike other forms of modification, does not require the Gem to be inactive.

#### Known Dyed Gems

* Mojave Turquoise (dyed intentionally and willingly by Chameleon Diamond)
* Pink Howlite (dyed accidentally by Pink Diamond/Rose Quartz)
* Red Crackle Quartz (dyed accidentally by Pink Diamond/Rose Quartz)

## Trivia

* Gemetic modifications are potentially dangerous, and can seriously damage or even break a Gem if not performed correctly.
	+ When Chrysolite's Pseudomorphing was interrupted, among other unknown side-effects, her Gem split in two while trying to form and her memory was lost.
* The phrase "Gemetic modifications" is (obviously) a portmanteau of "Gem" and "genetic modifications."
* Some of the modifications are inspired by ways in which real-life gems and minerals can be "modified."
	+ Pseudomorphs draw inspiration from a mineralogy concept of the same name.
	+ "Diamond dyeing" is, obviously, inspired by the real-life practice of dyeing gemstones.
* So far, all the Gems subjected to dyeing are Gem types whose real-life counterparts are also dyed.
	+ Turquoise is naturally a distinctive blue color, but mojave turquoise is often dyed purple or green.
	+ Howlite is naturally white, but is regularly dyed, often to imitate other gemstones.
	+ Crackle quartz has been treated to give it internal fractures, which are often used to dye it.