Khaydarin crystals

**Khaydarin crystals** were psionic artifacts, left on numerous planets by the xel'naga -- as such, they were often found in xel'naga temples. In the Khalani language of the protoss, "khaydarin" meant "**focuser of the heart**." The stones were typically blue in color.

Different species reacted differently to touching khaydarin crystals. They always felt cold to the touch, however a human would feel a tingling sensation and an aching pain when touching a crystal whereas a protoss would feel the tingling but would not feel any pain.

The crystals could be altered by their environments. Both the Uraj Crystal and the Khalis Crystal were quite distinct -- having been altered through both their environment and their users. The crystals could only be used by creatures whose development was influenced by the xel'naga, or by the xel'naga themselves.

## History

The origins of the khaydarin crystals were shrouded in mystery, but their deep connection to the xel'naga was quite apparent.

Around 100 CE, the protoss Temlaa and Savassan discovered a cavern full of khaydarin crystals, which reawoke the dormant psionic connection shared between all protoss. Using khaydarin crystals, Savassan was able to reawaken this connection in almost the entire species -- bringing an end to the Aeon of Strife.

Shortly after this, the War of the Gods occurred. By absorbing the knowledge of several xel'naga, the Overmind was able to learn how to manipulate the creatures.

The protoss continued to use khaydarin crystals for a variety of purposes after this -- including using them to identify the zerg as creatures uplifted by the xel'naga at the onset of the Great War.

## Uses & Properties

The crystals were able to store information -- much like data crystals used by civilizations throughout the galaxy. Because of this property, the xel'naga were able to essentially use the crystals in place of computers. The protoss also used the crystals for information storage, particularly on the moon of Ehlna.

The connection between the crystals and the psionic abilities of the protoss was clear since the end of the Aeon of Strife. After that, the protoss continuously used khaydarin crystals to enhance their own capabilities. The High Templar adorned themselves with khaydarin crystals for this exact purpose.

Along with their psionic abilities, khaydarin crystals also possessed some natural anti-gravity. This allowed the protoss to use them in construction of floating platforms and pylons. On Aiur, some landmasses had had so many khaydarin crystals form around them that they naturally floated.

The protoss also used the levitating abilities of the khaydarin crystals in numerous aircrafts They even utilized the khaydarin crystals in their warp drives. These engines, called warp prisms due to their crystalline nature, could provide energy to the entire spacecraft. Some vessels, which were not capable of warp, still used a crystal matrix as a power source. The khaydarin crystals used in this manner were exponentially more reliable than typical machinery -- they only failed three times in recorded history.

Protoss buildings were also powered by energy passed through khaydarin crystals. A vast psionic energy network extended throughout protoss cities, encampments, military bases, and other settlements. The energy passed through a series of pylons -- bringing the energy from the crystals at the nexus that served as the energy's source.

The crystals also had properties that allowed some control over the zerg. Even humans were able to utilize this property to a limited extent, though the Dark Archon Ulrezaj was able to completely control zerg with the six crystals he mutated using both Dark Templar and zerg energies.

## Known Crystals

The following are all of the unique khaydarin crystals that are known to exist, or have existed:

* Argus Stone
* Giant Crystal
* Ihan crystals
* Khalis
* Uraj

## Source

Khaydarin crystals are derived from *Starcraft*. For canon information, please visit:

* StarCraft Wiki