Steven Universe Theory: Why Are Some Gems Rare?

‘Steven Universe’ Theory: Why are some Gems rare?

The Answer provides us with an important fact regarding Gem society: some Gems are common, while others are relatively rare.

Garnet describes Sapphire as a “rare aristocratic Homeworld Gem”, and the Rubies as “common soldiers”. We know that countless Quartz Gems were produced in the Alpha Kindergarten, and that 89 kindergartens were originally planned for the Earth colony. Gems are clearly produced en-masse, which begs the question: why are some Gems rare? Given the valuable abilities of a Gem like Sapphire, wouldn’t Homeworld want to produce as many as possible?

There is no definitive answer, but I do have a few ideas.

1. Homeworld limits production of the more powerful Gems.

This would make sense as a tactic to prevent rebellion. In order to maintain a secure hold over Gem society, the Diamonds may be unwilling to risk the creation of too many powerful Gems, who might be able to overthrow them.

However, I would keep a few points in mind:

1. Given the sheer number of common Gems (such as Quartz soldiers), there is always the possibility of the Diamonds being overthrown (especially if fusion is involved). Limiting the number of powerful, loyal, upper class Gems would make the Diamonds more susceptible to an attack from the lower classes.

2. Prior to the rebellion of the Crystal Gems, it is entirely possible that Gem society had never seen an armed rebellion or revolution.

2. Certain Gem types can only be grown on uncommonly rare planets, or use up an extreme amount of resources.

From Peridot’s comments in Too Far, it can be inferred that the Alpha Kindergarten was used primarily (or exclusively) to grow Quartz soldiers (Amethyst being one of them). Could it be that some areas of land (or entire planets) are only suitable for growing certain Gem types?

If so, perhaps Gems like Sapphire can only be grown from extremely rare resources; until another suitable planet is discovered, production of rare Gems would be impossible. Homeworld itself may be the only known location where some of the rarest Gems can be made, and it is safe to assume that Homeworld was hollowed out long ago.

Another possibility is that the initial materials placed in the kindergarten injectors are hard to come by for some Gems.

Alternatively, rare Gems may require an exorbitant amount of resources in order to grow. If a particular Gem type requires an entire planet, production levels are going to be fairly limited.

3. The rare Gems were created by another race entirely.

Gems have indicated on numerous occasions that they may, in fact, be advanced AI computers, and Peridot mentions in the Diamond Moon Base that Gems are “a space-faring race designed to conquer other worlds”. I have a feeling that the Gem race did not evolve naturally; rather, that it was created by a precursor species (e.g. the Sneople).

If so, it would explain why Homeworld cannot produce certain varieties of Gem: they lack the knowledge, technology, or resources required to do so.

What are your thoughts on Gem rarity? Please let me know in the comments. :)

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he did it….

Absolutely splendid 'Steven Universe' fan art. Some of the best that I have ever seen.

I procrastinated OTL

I may add other characters later, now I just want to go to sleep 

Steven Universe: ‘In Too Deep’ Frame-by-Frame Trailer Analysis

Steven Universe is back!

Not two days ago, I posted an article explaining why I feel that weekly episodes spaced evenly across the year are more satisfying than the erratic Steven Bomb release schedule. It seems that my wish may have been (partially) granted, as Cartoon Network have just announced a four-week Steven Universe event that will (presumably) cover what we assumed to be the fifth Steven Bomb.

Below the break, you will find the trailer for In Too Deep, followed by a frame-by-frame, in-depth analysis. I will not be talking about the clips leaked by Cartoon Network UK, so is article is safe for those avoiding spoilers.

There appear to be two main topics at hand: Malachite and the Cluster. Both have been highly anticipated, and it looks like progress is imminent for each plot thread.

Malachite and the Watermelon Stevens

Malachite is back, along with the sentient watermelons that Steven created back in Season 1. Judging by the flower wreath around this melon’s head, we can infer that the watermelon army have established some form of society for themselves, and may be living peacefully. Whatever they have built, it seems that Malachite is about to disrupt it.

She does not look happy.

Fortunately, the Crystal Gems are ready to take her down.

Alexandrite makes her long-awaited return!

Of course, Malachite is not going down without a fight.

Looking at the surroundings, the battle may be taking place on Mask Island, the location introduced in Island Adventure.

As to whether we will see Lapis and Jasper unfuse, only time will tell.

The Cluster

The trailer opens with Steven and Peridot alone, and the Earth shaking beneath them. The Cluster is emerging, perhaps at the most inopportune time. With Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl fighting Malachite, our smallest heroes may be left to operate the drill alone.

“Something doesn’t feel right about this.”

Something definitely doesn’t feel right. Also, it looks like the Gems are getting fantastic milage out of Peridot’s escape pod.

DUN DUN DUN!!!

Details are vague, but it seems that the Cluster may not be exactly what Peridot has been led to believe. Steven says that something “doesn't feel right”, so whatever ends up happening is may not be what they planned for.

At the very least, it appears that the Cluster is beginning to take physical form. Either that, or there are other, smaller fusion experiments set to guard the Cluster lest the rebels discover it and attempt to sabotage Homeworld’s plans.

As for the ghostly white hands and the orange/yellow glowing outside the pod, your guess is as good as mine.

“What We Really Are”

Those of you who have seen the extended theme song may recognise this line sung by Pearl:

“If you could only know | what we really are.”

The words, “what we really are”, can be heard repeating throughout part of the trailer, and the song has been edited to sound eerie and distorted. This played over shots of the Crystal Gems as they look in anger at the hologram of Earth’s destruction in the Moon Base, followed by a clip of Yellow Diamond saying:

“I want that planet to die.”

This old footage tells us nothing new, but perhaps we will learn something new when the upcoming episodes arrive. We still know very little as to what Gems really are, and while I have a theory (as do many within the fandom) that they are advanced AI computers, there may be more to the story; perhaps this theory misses the mark entirely.

I have a feeling that we are in for revelations about the nature of Gems and their history. Perhaps we will learn about Gem biology (i.e. what they “really are”), or delve deeper into Yellow Diamond’s true motives for creating the Cluster and attempting to destroy Earth. If Lapis is freed from Malachite, perhaps we will hear her backstory (which the Crewniverse have clearly been saving for maximum impact).

Steven’s Dream Powers

Perhaps we will gain some new insight into Steven’s abilities regarding dreams. I was intrigued by this shot towards the end of the trailer:

“Gasp!”

Steven appears to be waking from some kind of magical trance; or, perhaps, a dream. We can infer from Chille Tid that Steven has the power to communicate with other Gems through dreams, and Rose’s Room appears to operate on dream logic.

Will Steven use this ability to locate Malachite? Or, perhaps, find a way to communicate with the damaged Gems that comprise the Cluster? We know that fusions have an abstract realm of existence where Steven can talk to the component Gems in his sleep.

This may also apply to the Cluster. Steven may be able to placate the Cluster by talking to its component Gems and convincing them not to take physical form.

All things considered, I am incredibly excited about this news. From what I have heard, we will receive two new episodes on the 12th of May, and one additional episode for each of the following weeks. This is a very smart move on the part of Cartoon Network, and I have a feeling that it will pay off spectacularly.

I plan to post more Steven Universe analysis, theories, and reviews over the coming months, so if that sounds like your cup of tea, you are welcome to follow me here on Tumblr to stay up to date. :)