Gems

**Gems** are an extraterrestrial species of "magical" human-like beings that play a key role in *Steven Universe*. 5,750 years ago, the Gem Homeworld maintained several outposts on Earth, with plans to completely colonize the planet, but were driven off by Rose Quartz's rebellion, leaving the Crystal Gems (and various Corrupted Gems) the only Gems on the planet.

## Description

Gems as a species are characterized by the gemstone each Gem has embedded somewhere on their bodies which seems to be analogous to a brain or CPU.

Gems' physical forms are projections from their gemstone, and Gems may change their physical form at will (although shapeshifting is not permanent and Gems will return to their "default" form eventually), with their only constant feature being their gemstone and color palette. All Gems are inherently sexless and the species lacks sexual dimorphism, although Gems' physical forms typically have characteristics associated with human femininity, with the only exception thus far being Steven, due to his half human parentage.

Gems have numerous abilities, which can vary from Gem to Gem, including weapon summoning, fusion, the power to 'store' material in their gemstones, and bubble creation. Lapis Lazuli has no weapon but instead possesses hydrokinesis. Similar to this is Pearl's Psammokinesis. All Gems with their own weapon have the ability to direct energy through their weapons, such as Garnet using her gauntlets to charge Greg's van, Pearl firing an energy blast from the tip of her spear, and Amethyst sending bursts of energy through her whip or whips.

Gems are functionally immortal and do not require food or sleep (although Gems can still eat and sleep if they so desire). The only way to permanently destroy or "kill" a Gem is to destroy their gemstone. If a Gem's physical form is badly injured, they will retreat into their gemstone to regenerate. Regeneration is special in that Gems can make permanent changes to their physical form while regenerating. The length of the regeneration process can range from minutes to weeks, but a "rushed" regeneration can suffer from physical deformities (such as Amethyst in "Reformed"). Regeneration can be prevented if a Gemstone is bubbled or otherwise constricted, such as within a mirror or a pillow.

If a Gem's gemstone is damaged, their physical form will deteriorate and "glitch". Gem Shards, the remnants of a shattered gemstone, possess a "powerful partial consciousness" which can grant sentience to their containers and have been used to create drone soldiers.
Gem Shards have also been forced to fuse together over time to form a Cluster Gem.

## Culture

* There are two known groups of Gems: Homeworld Gems and Crystal Gems.
	+ The Homeworld Gems are gems currently living on the Gem Homeworld. Historically, Homeworld Gems wished to exploit Earth and established a foothold on the planet, by which they used to create new Gems, known as a Kindergarten. The "Homeworld Gems", including Peridot, Jasper, Lapis Lazuli and their currently unseen superior known as Yellow Diamond, are a hostile military force that invades planets, bleeds their natural resources dry, and "leaves them for dead."
	+ The Crystal Gems are a group of rebels who chose to join Rose Quartz in the fight against Homeworld in order to defend Earth. The only Crystal Gems that remain are Garnet (the fusion of Ruby and Sapphire), Amethyst, Pearl, and Steven, the son of Rose Quartz/Pink Diamond.
	+ Over five thousand years prior to the start of the series, Rose Quartz organized the Crystal Gems to oppose the Homeworld Gems. The Crystal Gems won, as stated by Pearl in "Rose's Scabbard", and the Homeworld Gems were driven from Earth, leaving behind many relics and temples.
* Gem civilization is very advanced, capable of creating spaceships, pocket dimensions, and teleporters.
* Gem culture is quite different from human culture, given the Crystal Gems' confusion over seemingly everyday human cultural practices, such as birthdays and video games.
* The Gem culture is an ancient one, predating all known human civilizations.
* Gems have their own written language, which is inscribed on many of their temples, as first seen in Steven's Room in the "Pilot".
* Gem architecture can be seen scattered across the Earth in the form of the structures, such as the Lunar Spire, the Communication Hub and the Galaxy Warp.
* While there has never been mention of Gems practicing any form of spiritualism, the existence of the Moon Goddess Statue, along with the Sea Shrine and the Pyramid Temple, imply some sort of belief system.
* While Gems are incapable of reproduction, romantic relationships do exist in their society, such as that of Ruby and Sapphire.
* The Gem Homeworld maintains a strict caste system based on Gemstone, in "Back to the Barn", Peridot describes how Pearls are created to be servants and meant to be completely subservient to their owners, and the rarity of a Peridot owning a Pearl.
	+ In "Too Far", there seems to be a broader type of Gems called Quartz. Quartz Gems are created to be large and intimidating soldiers which includes Jasper and Amethyst.

## Gem Types

In Guide to the Crystal Gems, it is shown that each gem has a Gem type. Which are:

* **Quartzes** - according to Peridot, quartzes are made in Kindergartens. They are supposed to be huge, loyal soldiers who are broad shouldered, and intimidating.
* **Pearls** - in the episode, Back to The Barn, Peridot stated that pearls are an accessory and a made-to-order servant who are just there for standing around, looking nice, taking orders, and holding other Gems' stuff. It is implied that there are varying qualities, and that Pearl is an especially fancy one.
* **Peridots** - Peridots are known to be technicians and have a higher rank that pearls.
* **Lapis Lazuli** - The purpose of Lapis Lazulis is to terraform as stated by Yellow Diamond. Peridot states that Lapis Lazulis are typically partial to water and flying. It is unclear how high they rank in the caste system, though they seem at least roughly equal to Peridots.

## Gender

* Gems do not have genders.
	+ Gem culture does not have a gender binary or a concept of gender.
	+ Gems refer to each other using "she/her" pronouns, but have no particular reason for doing so beyond arbitrary convenience.
	+ In their default state, Gems typically appear feminine by human standards, and they can use their shapeshifting abilities to deliberately assume overtly gendered forms.
	+ Steven is an exception because he is half-human.
		- Stevonnie's precise canonical gender is currently unspecified, however Matt Burnett has stated that Stevonnie uses gender-neutral they / them pronouns.

## Reproduction

It has been confirmed by Rebecca Sugar that Gems don't naturally reproduce and lack reproductive organs by default.

In the short "How are Gems made" It's explained that Gems "aren't born, they're made when some Gems from outer space came here with these big machines! They put the machines on Earth and shot this junk into the ground, and then boom, you pop right out!". In addition it's revealed that Gems are formed fully developed "being a weak baby would be a pain, so, they suck up all the good stuff from the ground so we pop out all big and strong".

In "On the Run", it is revealed that the Homeworld Gems invaded Earth several thousand years ago and used Kindergartens to create new Gems using the method described in "How are Gems made"; and that Amethyst was one such Gem. This process was very harmful to the environment to the point where, if it were allowed to continue, it would lead to "the destruction of all life on Earth", according to Pearl in "Marble Madness". Amethyst refers to all the Gems created through the process, herself included, as "parasites".

While biological reproduction is an alien concept to Gems, it is not impossible for them; while Gems can't reproduce with each other they can create Gem-hybrid offspring. Through shape-shifting, they can perfectly replicate reproductive organs of organic beings for their "human constructs" in order to reproduce.Pink Diamond is the only Gem to have done this and her son, Steven, inherited her Gemstone, without which she could not project a physical form and subsequently "died".

## Corrupted Gems

In "Ocean Gem", Pearl states, "All Gems aren't necessarily good." Gem Monsters are in fact either "corrupted" or "broken" Gems which, presumably, were unable to maintain humanoid form and sentience.

## Trivia

* The majority of Gem weapons are medieval: Steven and Rose Quartz's shield, Pearl's spear, Amethyst's whip, Ruby's gauntlet, Jasper's crash-helmet, Eyeball's chisel knife, and the Topazes' maces.
	+ This includes fusion weapons: Garnet's gauntlets, Opal's energy bow, Sugilite's flail, Sardonyx's war hammer, and Topaz's mace.
* The process for each Gem to summon their weapons depends on a different state of mind for each of them.
	+ Amethyst places little effort or concentration, claiming that it "just happens" when she needs to summon her weapon.
	+ Pearl claims that her process is being perfect and calculated, using the science of a flower petal dancing in the wind to describe how hard work and dedication can help master the properties of one's own gemstone and "perform their own dance."
	+ Garnet claims that she summons her gauntlets by linking her mind with the energy of all existing matter, channeling the collective power of the universe through her gem(s), matching her calm and meditative temperament.
	+ Steven's means of summoning his shield is still unknown, though it is thought to be caused when he experiences pure joy, having first activated his gem after taking a bite of his favorite ice-cream sandwich, his ability to summon his weapon can also be attributed to the feelings of love and the desire to protect.
		- "Say Uncle" reveals that Steven's powers are maternal and that he summons his shield to protect the things he cares about. Though the episode is considered non-canon, the description of how Steven summons his shield seems to be accurate.
* Ian Jones-Quartey has stated that Steven is the first Gem to use he/him pronouns.
	+ Rebecca Sugar and Ian Jones-Quartey have stated that Gems use she/her pronouns by default.
	+ This is demonstrated by the Crystal Gems referring to Lapis Lazuli, Peridot, Jasper, and Bismuth all as "she" before knowing them.
	+ Although, when regenerating, Gems would be able to take on a "masculine" form and use he/him pronouns if they wish.

 File:Friend Ship 213.png
* Gemstones can be used as a power source, even if damaged.
	+ A gemstone is seen powering the Pyramid Temple in "Serious Steven".
	+ Lapis Lazuli was used to power a magic mirror.
	+ Numerous gemstones can be seen powering machines in the Ancient Gem Colony Ship.
		- It is unknown whether or not these gemstones were sentient.
* In "Chille Tid", Gems are shown to experience exhaustion and, if they choose to sleep, can dream.
* Fusions are capable of further fusing with Gems, as exhibited in "Coach Steven" (in which Garnet fuses Amethyst).
* Fusions tend to highly exaggerate whatever personality traits are shared amongst the majority of the Gems comprising the Fusion. Sugilite seems to inherit her impulsive and irrational behavior from Ruby and Amethyst, while Sardonyx seems to get her haughty and self-absorbed personality from Sapphire and Pearl.
* When Gems in a given Fusion have incompatible personalities, or have conflicting motives for fusing, and for whatever reason do not (or can not) terminate the Fusion, it results in an Unstable Fusion. When this happens, the constituent Gems risk losing touch with their individual personalities the longer the Fusion persists.
	+ In "Coach Steven", Sugilite is the first example of Gems remaining as an unstable Fusion for too long. It can be surmised that this case arose because Ruby and Amethyst have many similarities in personality, while Sapphire's personality strongly contrasts with both. Sapphire's presence was enough to cause instability, but not enough to "outvote" Ruby and Amethyst and cancel the Fusion.
	+ Malachite is another example. At the end of "Jail Break", Jasper is clearly trying to escape the Fusion. Either Jasper has very low willpower (not unlikely, considering her barbaric personality), or Lapis Lazuli has a great deal of mental fortitude, or a combination of both.
* The majority of known Gem weapons are medieval: Garnet's gauntlets, Pearl's spear, Amethyst's whip, Steven/Rose's shield, Opal's longbow, Sugilite's flail, Jasper's crash-helmet, Ruby's gauntlet, and Sardonyx's war hammer.
* The process for each Gem to summon their weapons depends on a different state of mind for each of them.
	+ Amethyst places little effort or concentration, claiming that it "just happens" when she needs to summon her weapon.
	+ Pearl claims that her process as being perfect and calculated, using the science of a flower petal dancing in the wind to describe how hard work and dedication can help master the properties of one's own gemstone and "perform their own dance".
	+ Garnet claims that she summons her gauntlets by linking her mind with the energy of all existing matter, channeling the collective power of the universe through her gem(s), matching her calm and meditative temperament.
	+ Steven's means of summoning his shield is still unknown, though it is thought to be caused when he experiences pure joy, having first activated his gem after taking a bite of his favorite ice-cream sandwich, his ability to summon his weapon can also be attributed to the feelings of love and the desire to protect.
		- Say Uncle reveals that Steven's powers are maternal, and that he summons his shield to protect the things he cares about. Though the episode is considered non-canon, the description of how Steven summons his shield seems to be accurate.
* Ian Jones-Quartey has stated that Steven is the first Gem to use masculine pronouns.
	+ Rebecca Sugar and Ian Jones-Quartey have stated that Gems use feminine pronouns by default.
	+ Although Gems are genderless, in their human-like forms they are anatomically constructed similarly to human women, and referred to by the pronouns used by human women.
	+ This is demonstrated in "Ocean Gem", as Pearl called Lapis "she."
	+ Pearl also referred to Rose Quartz as "she", while reminiscing in "Rose's Scabbard".
	+ Garnet, Pearl, and Steven referred to Peridot as "she".
	+ Garnet referred to Jasper as "she".
* Gemstones can be used as a power source, even if damaged.
	+ Lapis Lazuli was used to power a magic mirror.
	+ Numerous Gemstones can be seen powering machines in the Ancient Gem Colony Ship.
* Gem's physical bodies are capable of producing bodily fluids, and in "Coach Steven", Pearl can be observed to have scrapes on her "skin".
* Pearl referred to their bodies as "human construct(s)" in "Fusion Cuisine".
* Ian Jones-Quartey has stated that Gems do possess DNA, and that Rose Quartz was able to pass her traits on to Steven, although this would contradict Pearl's implication that Gems are inorganic in Alone Together.
	+ This is explained in the Guide to the Crystal Gems, the Gem equivalent to genetic information is stored in the Gemstone , and Rose was able to integrate this information with Greg's DNA by giving up her physical form and passing her Gem along to Steven.
* Gem-hybrids can fuse with both humans and Gems, when Steven did with Connie to form Stevonnie, and with Amethyst to form Smoky Quartz.
	+ Gems cannot fuse with humans, as shown in "We Need to Talk".
* There can be multiple Gems of the same type.
	+ In "The Return" and "Friend Ship", both Jasper and Pearl herself have referred to her as "a Pearl", implying there are more.
	+ In "When It Rains", Peridot assumes that Steven is "some kind of Quartz" from an Earth's kindergarten.
	+ In Guide to the Crystal Gems, Steven, Amethyst, Rose and Jasper all have their Gem type listed as Quartz.
	+ Peridot states in "Back to the Barn" that Pearls are mass produced as a subservient race, and implies that Peridots are used as technicians.
* It is unknown if the placement and shape of a gemstone is a choice, or a default.
* Gems' skin tones are always related to the color of their gemstones, however they don't always match precisely, for example Rose Quartz's skin tone has a lighter, peachier shade than her gemstone.
* In the comic series, Pearl has been shown to absorb objects into her gem and has gotten sick when she absorbed too many objects into her gem. As of "A Single Pale Rose", she has also used this method of storage in the main show. It is unclear whether other Gems can do this.
	+ This ability may be inherent to Pearls specifically, as it would account for Peridot's comments about Pearls being made to hold things.
	+ Although, in "Serious Steven", Garnet appears to be storing the temple key in her gemstones, since she has to summon it and was not carrying it with her prior to arriving at the Gem Battlefield.
	+ It should also be noted that the comics are of debatable canon when it comes to their relation to the TV show.
* It is implied that Gems either don't need to breathe, can hold their breath for long periods of time, or breathe differently from humans.
* In "Nightmare Hospital", it is revealed Gems do not have a heart or heartbeat.
* While Gems do not require sustenance, it is implied in "Catch and Release" that they produce bodily waste after consuming food.
* As revealed in "Message Received", Gems are differentiated from other Gems of their category by identification codes based on "Facet", then "Cut" or "Cabochon". For example, Peridot's specification is Facet-2F5L Cut-5XG, while Nephrite's specification is Facet-413 Cabochon-12.
* Pearl mentioned in "Last One Out of Beach City" that she could not get a driver's license due to being an alien.
	+ This is likely because Pearl is not a legal citizen and thus ineligible for government licensing.
* According to Rebecca Sugar, blue Gems like Sapphire are created with diplomatic skills. And later in the Ultimate Crossover Fundraiser that blue Gems can be introspective and a little judgmental.
	+ She also states that orange Gems are more lean on the active side as they take action.
* Gems typically have their gemstones exposed in plain view, despite their gemstone being their most vulnerable spot.
	+ In "Three Gems and a Baby", Steven would become fussy and try to undo his clothes to expose his gemstone, suggesting there may be a reason why Gems leave their gemstones exposed.
* In "Adventures in Light Distortion", it is revealed that if a Gem ship is traveling faster than the speed of light, a Gem's 'hard-light' body will fall behind and lose form.
* Usually, Gems of the same type have identical looking gemstones with the same shape and facets. For example, Rose Quartzes have round pink gemstones with pentagonal facets. However, there are some Gems that deviate from this.
	+ There have been Jaspers shown with round gemstones and kite-shaped gemstones.
	+ Yellow Diamond and Blue Diamond's gemstones are both diamond-shaped but with slightly different dimensions, while Pink Diamond and White Diamond's gemstones are more like a realistic typical earth-cut diamond.
	+ The Crystal Gems' Pearl has an oval-shaped gemstone, while other Pearls shown have had perfectly round gemstones.
	+ While most Amethysts shown have a circular purple gemstone with a hexagonal facet, some Amethysts' gemstones are slightly different shades of purple.
		- In "Gem Heist", one burgundy-colored Amethyst is shown to have a square-faceted gemstone (rather than hexagonal). However, whether or not this was an animation error is unclear.
	+ The Rutile Twins' joint gemstone has two long segments conjoined together, implying that normal Rutiles' gemstones consist of just one elongated segment.
* Gem art and architecture seems to be heavily influenced by Middle-Eastern and Art Deco designs.
* It is unclear whether or not Gems have human-like ears, as the same Gems have been drawn both with and without them. However, all known Gems have hair or visors that normally cover where their ears would be.
	+ In the Pilot, the Gems consistently had ears. It is unknown why this was changed.
* Some Gems are based on minerals that, in reality, were named after specific people, creatures, foods, or places (such as Holly Blue Agate, Sugilite, Larimar, Tiger's Eye, Watermelon Tourmaline, or Serpentine) exclusive to Earth. The implications of this, such as whether these Gems are the in-universe reason why such minerals are named so, are unknown.
	+ Pearls, however, are the only gems not based on minerals, since in real life pearls are organic matter (specifically calcium carbonate) from oysters and other mollusks, but culturally are considered to have the same value aesthetic properties as gemstones.
* Rebecca Sugar stated that Gems represent non-binary women like herself. While they do not consider themselves women, they do not mind being thought of as such.
* A reply by Rebecca Sugar in a Reddit AMA implied that Gems whose color scheme is a combination of two Diamonds' color scheme are created by a joint effort of said Diamonds. The hypothetical Gem in question was Lepidolite who, as a purple Gem, would've been created by *both* Blue and Pink Diamond.

## References

1. ↑ http://rebeccasugar.tumblr.com/post/113764004948
2. ↑ https://mobile.twitter.com/ianjq/status/733812617462964225
3. ↑ https://twitter.com/ianjq/status/734629837827149824
4. ↑ Gem DNA
5. ↑ 8 Fun Facts About "Steven Universe" That You Haven't Seen In The Show**: *"If Connie were a gem, I think she would be a gem that is teal...she has the diplomatic skills of blue gem, but she also is able to take action...she would be a gem that would be between blue and green."***
6. ↑ **Ultimate Crossover Fundraiser**: *"Dipper would be a light blue because he’s "introspective" and "a little judgmental"."*
7. ↑ **Ultimate Crossover Fundraiser**: *"Mabel would have to be on the pink side for sure. not just for her color scheme but also her attitude. it would probably be- it would be orange. cause it would be like she takes action. a pink orange because she takes action. she’s not like blue gems are all very meditative. lean on the active side."*
8. ↑ http://i.redd.it/36vxsnip5s2z.png
9. ↑ http://78.media.tumblr.com/361c1344b7ccd2baead09693a5fdc12f/tumblr\_inline\_nkq91nf9FU1qdo426.png
10. ↑ [1]