Editing Chaos Emerald

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{{Quote left|The servers are the seven Chaos. Chaos is [[Chaos Emerald energy|power]], power is enriched by the heart. The controller is the one that unifies the Chaos.|[[Knuckles the Echidna]], ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''|file = ChaosEmeraldsQuote.ogg}} 
The {{nihongo|'''Chaos Emeralds'''|カオスエメラルド|Kaosu Emerarudo}} are objects that appear in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog series|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series]]. They are a septet of ancient gemstones tied to the [[Master Emerald]] that possess [[Chaos Emerald energy|unlimited power]].<ref name="AdventureTokyoInternational">{{Cite web |author=ZedArchive |date=April 10, 2022 |title=Sonic Adventure Production Presentation At Tokyo International Forum (1998) <nowiki>[ENGLISH CC]</nowiki> |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68S3GswZ06U&t=20m10s |language=Japanese |work=YouTube |accessdate=October 7, 2022}}</ref><ref name="SonicxTails" /> Those who hold them can use them to cause miracles<ref name="SonicxTails" /> and other feats, such as [[Chaos Control|warping space and time]] and powering machines. Anyone who combines all seven Chaos Emeralds can control unimaginable power and become heavily empowered beings, known as [[Super transformation|Super Transformation]].<ref name="SAdvanceIntro">''[[Sonic Advance]]'' ([[Game Boy Advance]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 2.</ref> Even when not including their mystical powers, the Chaos Emeralds' monetary value and beauty make them prime targets of [[Rouge the Bat|treasure]] [[Fang's Gang|hunters]] who seek to make a fortune.

The Chaos Emeralds have observed numerous joys and sorrows since ancient times,<ref name="AdventureTokyoInternational" /> being the center of countless world-threatening conflicts and targeted by [[Eggman Empire|multiple]] [[Battle Kukku Empire|factions]] on [[Earth]] and [[Black Arms|beyond]], who seek them for their near-limitless powers. In the hands of villains, they have been used for doomsday weapons and schemes for world domination, and in the hands of heroes, they have been used to save the world. Over time, the Emeralds have been gathered multiple times, though they tend to scatter themselves after each usage and reset the hunt for them.<ref name="SonicxTails"/>

==Concept and creation==
It is unknown how Chaos Emeralds came to be during the development of [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (1991)]]. They were, however, firmly established behind scenes for [[Sega/Sega of America|Sega of America]] to accurately name and implement them with narrative importance in their [[Sonic Bible]] for Sonic 1's release while creating changes, such as altering [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]]'s name into Dr. Robotnik, the [[Egg Mobile]] to Egg-O-Matic and converting the captured [[Animals]] from species to individuals, ex. [[Ricky|Sally Acorn]].

[[Sonic Team]] would give the Chaos Emeralds greater importance themselves as the games went on, such as the introduction of Super transformations. Throughout the various Sonic medias under [[Sega]]’s oversight and lack there of, the Chaos Emeralds have consistently served as a motivation and spectacle for the plot.

===Gameplay===
In the early 2D games of the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series, the Chaos Emeralds were closer to "bonus" items and did not have a direct impact on the plot. Obtaining them all through [[Special Stage|Special Stages]] will give the games' good ending, but since ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', the gems have become significantly more important, and that trend has continued throughout most later games. More often than not, the player is required to obtain the seven Chaos Emeralds to fully complete the games' story.

In ''[[Sonic Superstars]]'', the Chaos Emeralds are used to [[Emerald Power|aid]] in regular gameplay. This can range from [[Vision|seeing hidden platforms or items]] to giving the players an [[Extra|extra attack]]. When all seven are retrieved, the players have the option to become [[Super Powers|super]] at any time, as long as they have at least 50 [[Ring|rings]].

==Description==
===Appearance===
The Chaos Emeralds have been given various depictions over the course of history, differing in size, coloration, and cut between incidents early on. Currently, however, they have consistently been depicted as palm-sized and [[Wikipedia:Brilliant (diamond cut)|brilliant-cut]] gemstones in the following colors – green, red, blue, yellow, purple, cyan<!--Please do not change this color to any color other than "Cyan". Thank you!--> and white.

===Powers and traits===
[[File:Vlc 2016-08-03 21-54-51-661.png|left|thumb|225px|A Chaos Emerald teleporting an entire [[Gaia Temple]], from ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''.]]
Said to hold enough power to let their user control the whole world<ref name="TrophyWiiU">Bandai Namco, Sora Ltd. (November 21, 2014). ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''. [[Wii U]]. [[Nintendo]]. Area/Level: Trophy Hoard. "'''[[Super Sonic]]''' - The Chaos Emeralds are said to hold enough power to control the whole world. It's that power that turns Sonic into Super Sonic. He turns a glorious golden color and can fly at nearly the speed of light. In his Final Smash, this high-speed flight damages anyone who gets in its way and can even launch them!"</ref> and possibly even [[Sonic's universe|the entire universe]],<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (November 18, 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: After [[Black Doom (boss)|Black Doom]] ([[GUN Fortress]]). "'''[[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]]''': With the power of these Emeralds... I will control the universe!"</ref> each of the Chaos Emeralds is said to possess mystical properties<ref name="TailsSAdventure">[[Sonic Team]] (September 9, 1999). ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: [[Sonic Adventure/Script (Tails)#Cutscene 1|Cutscene 1]] ([[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]' story). "'''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': I was lucky to find one of the 7 Chaos Emeralds. They have unlimited mystic powers."</ref> and contain unlimited,<ref name="TailsSAdventure"/> amounts of [[Chaos Emerald energy]] that is said to give energy to all things.<ref name="OriginalSonic"/><ref>Sora Ltd. (March 9, 2008). ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. [[Wii]]. [[Nintendo]]. Area/Level: Trophy Hoard. "'''[[Super Sonic]]''' - Sonic's Final Smash. The Chaos Emeralds give energy to all living things, and Sonic's gathered all seven of them, then used their power to transform into Super Sonic. His abilities in this form far surpass his normal ones, and he's even able to fly. He uses a lot of energy in this form, so he can only remain in it for a short time."</ref> Even alone, their power is unmatched by pretty much anything else in the entire [[multiverse]], except by the [[Power of the Stars]],<ref>[[Sonic Team]], [[Dimps]] (September 17, 2007). ''[[Sonic Rush Adventure]]''. [[Nintendo DS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Deep Core]]. "'''[[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]]''': I never imagined that this sort of power was even possible! Even the Chaos Emeralds and Sol Emeralds can't compare to this! Mwa ha ha ha ha!"</ref> the [[Master Emerald]] and the [[Phantom Ruby]];<ref>''[[Sonic Forces: Stress Test]]'', "Stress Test"</ref> just one Emerald can grant access to unlimited power<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (November 18, 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Westopolis]]. "'''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': With that Chaos Emerald, you can unlock unlimited power!"</ref> and radiates enough energy to repel the incomplete [[Time Eater]], power an entire [[Gaia Temple]] and destabilize the crust of a planet.<ref>[[Sonic Team]], [[Blindlight]] (November 14, 2006). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. [[Xbox 360]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Flame Core]] ([[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]] Episode). "'''[[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]]''': The crust's energy is out of control... is it because of the Chaos Emeralds?"</ref> The Chaos Emeralds also amplify their own power the more of them there are used in the process.<ref>[[Sonic Team]], [[Dimps]] (November 22, 2011). ''[[Sonic Generations (Nintendo 3DS)|Sonic Generations]]''. [[Nintendo 3DS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[White Space]]. "'''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Modern Tails]]''': The Chaos Emeralds are more powerful when they're together so..."</ref> This is mainly demonstrated with the [[Eclipse Cannon]]: with five Emeralds it could destroy a [[Central City|large city]]; with six, it could blow up half of the [[moon]]; and with all seven it could destroy planets and pierce stars. It is said that those who find all seven Chaos Emeralds will command limitless power and be granted unlimited energy.<ref name="TailsSAdventure"/><ref name="TailsTube1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmzc8L8zTBk|publisher=Sonic the Hedgehog|title=TailsTube #1 (feat. Sonic)|work=YouTube|date=March 24, 2022|accessdate=March 24, 2022}}</ref><ref>[[Sonic Team]] (February 27, 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Emerald Beach]] ([[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]]'s Episode). "'''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': I've heard that he who collects 7 'Chaos Emeralds' will be granted unlimited energy."</ref>

Each Chaos Emerald has the ability to respond to thoughts and transform them into power in order to create miracles;<ref name="SonicxTails" /><ref name="SonicXSilverPart2">{{Cite web|title=ソニック ＆ シルバー 後編|url=https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20211001_002683/|author=[[Sega]]|publisher=[[Sonic Channel]]|work=かべがみカバーストーリー|date=October 1, 2021|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001084211/https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20211001_002683/|archivedate=October 1, 2021}}</ref> by "sensing" people's thoughts, the Chaos Emeralds can generate the energy they contain which make them everlasting sources of energy. By focusing one's thoughts, the Emeralds can even bend reality to achieve certain feats,<ref>[[Sonic Team]], [[Blindlight]] (November 14, 2006). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. [[Xbox 360]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[End of the World]]. "'''[[Silver the Hedgehog|Silver]]''': Of course! Let's call him back with the power of the Chaos Emeralds! Focus your thoughts on using its power to perform this miracle..."</ref> such as showing fabricated visions, performing rituals, reviving the recently deceased, cause flora to bloom over a large area,<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (June 23, 1991). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. [[Sega Mega Drive]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Good ending sequence.</ref> reverse the pollution of an [[South Island|entire island]],<ref name="StH-8BItEnding"/> shut down [[Scrap Brain Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)|facilities]],<ref name="StH-8BItEnding">[[Wikipedia:Ancient (company)|Ancient]] (October 25, 1991). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. [[Sega Game Gear]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Good ending sequence.</ref> and even make the Emeralds themselves move on their own.

[[File:SuperSonicFrontiers.png|thumb|294x294px|[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'s [[Super transformation|Super State]], a form granted by the Chaos Emeralds, as seen in ''[[Sonic Frontiers]]''.]]
The Chaos Emeralds' power can be harnessed with or without physical contact, and can be done so over great distances. When harnessed by living beings, they allow different [[chaos powers]], such as [[Chaos Control]], and can occasionally enhance the wielder's abilities. Harnessing all seven Chaos Emeralds will bestow a person with a [[Super transformation|Super Transformation]], a highly powerful form that grants flight, invulnerability, different chaos powers, and increased innate talents. Additionally, a Super State user can transfer their power to others to bestow them with a Super State of their own. However, Super States generally do not last long, as they consume tremendous amounts of energy.<ref name="Super Sonic Channel">{{Cite web|author=[[Sonic Team]]|publisher=[[Sega]]|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/supersonic/index.html|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080701142150/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/supersonic/index.html|archivedate=July 1, 2008|title=Sonic Channel|accessdate=June 25, 2008|language=Japanese}}</ref> The Emeralds' power can also be harnessed by machinery, such as the Eclipse Cannon, for the purpose of powering them. Potentially, their power can be used to create fearsome nuclear bombs and laser weapons.<ref name="StHJ">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' ([[Sega Mega Drive]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pgs. 4-5.</ref>

[[File:Drained Chaos Emerald Runners.png|thumb|left|150px|A Chaos Emerald drained of its power, from ''[[Sonic Runners]]''.]]
The type of Chaos Emerald energy that the Emeralds produce is influenced by thoughts. Positive thoughts, such as friendship and caring, generate positive energies; while negative ones, such as anger and hatred, generate negative energies.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (September 9, 1999). ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Last Story. "'''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''':  Chaos only used the negative power of the Emeralds. Sonic, you should be able to harness their real power!"</ref><ref name="SAdventureThoughts">[[Sonic Team]] (September 9, 1999). ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Last Story. "'''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': Negative forces aren't the only way to empower the Chaos Emeralds. Our positive feelings toward each other can make them work. Our hearts together form awesome power."</ref> If the Chaos Emeralds are either absent of their negative energies or all of their energies, they become inert and lose their lustre. The known ways for restoring them from this state include people's thoughts,<ref name="SAdventureThoughts"/> the [[Gaia Temple]]s and/or their connection to their planet's power,<ref name="GaiaTemples">[[Sonic Team]] (December 9, 2008). ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''. [[PlayStation 3]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Gaia Manuscripts. "'''[[Professor Pickle|Pickle]]''': If we act now, we may be able to restore the planet by returning power to the Chaos Emeralds. Sonic, you must travel to each of the temples listed in the Gaia Manuscripts. The planet's power will restore the Chaos Emeralds, and in turn the Chaos Emeralds will restore the planet and help it heal naturally."</ref><ref name="SonicXRougePart2">{{cite web|url=https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20210817_002627/|title=ソニック ＆ ルージュ 後編|author=[[Sega]]|publisher=[[Sonic Channel]]|date=August 17, 2021|accessdate=October 26, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817030258/https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20210817_002627/ |archivedate=August 17, 2021|language=Japanese}}</ref> through exposure to the [[Sol Emerald]]s,<ref name="SonicXBlazePart2">{{Cite web |title=ソニック ＆ ブレイズ 後編|url=https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20211102_002712/|work=かべがみカバーストーリー|author=[[Sega]]|publisher=[[Sonic Channel]]|date=November 2, 2021|language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102104910/https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20211102_002712/ |archivedate=November 2, 2021}}</ref> and letting them reabsorb their drained energy. The Chaos Emeralds also have the potential to be [[Super Emerald|enhanced]].

Like the Master Emerald, the Chaos Emeralds appear to possess some form of sentience and self-awareness; during the [[Jeweled Scepter]] [[Sonic Rush Adventure|incident]] for example, they remained stable in spite of the conditions in an attempt to help Sonic and Tails get home from the [[Sol Dimension]].<ref name="SRAdventureEnd">[[Sonic Team]], [[Dimps]] (September 14, 2007). ''[[Sonic Rush Adventure]]''. [[Nintendo DS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence. "'''[[Blaze the Cat|Blaze]]''': Hmmm. So, the, the Chaos Emeralds and the Sol Emeralds are... / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': ...sort of like North and South on a magnet. / '''[[Blaze the Cat|Blaze]]''': If they have the power to repel each other, they can attract each other, too. / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': And if misused, the could potentially bring ruin to both worlds. / '''[[Blaze the Cat|Blaze]]''': Right. That's what the Eggmen were both saying. / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': So, then, how do you prevent that from happening, Tails? / '''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': Well, I haven't done anything special in particular. They're both extremely stable. Because of that, I was able to put this ship together in such a short time. / '''[[Blaze the Cat|Blaze]]''': What do you mean? / '''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': Well, I got to thinking... Doesn't it seem like the Emeralds are trying to help us? / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Chaos Emeralds...? / '''[[Blaze the Cat|Blaze]]''': ...and the Sol Emeralds? / '''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': Yeah. If they weren't, I don't think they'd be nearly as stable as they are. It's almost as if they WANT to be used to do this."</ref> Supposedly, this sentience also explains the Emeralds' tendency to show up wherever and whenever they are most needed,<ref>[[Sonic Team]], [[Dimps]] (September 14, 2007). ''[[Sonic Rush Adventure]]''. [[Nintendo DS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence. "'''[[Blaze the Cat|Blaze]]''': Do you think that maybe you were brought here for a reason? / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Brought here? By who? / '''[[Blaze the Cat|Blaze]]''': By the Emeralds."</ref><ref>[[Sonic Team]], [[Dimps]] (November 12, 2010). ''[[Sonic Colors (Nintendo DS)|Sonic Colors]]''. [[Nintendo DS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Nega-Mother Wisp]]. "'''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Hey, if Yacker wants me to stop her, I'll stop her! It can't just be a coincidence that the Chaos Emeralds are here."</ref> and allows them to use their own power themselves to perform impressive feats such as holding an island in the ocean.<ref>''[[Sonic Chaos|Sonic & Tails]]'' ([[Sega Game Gear]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pgs. 4-5.</ref>

The Chaos Emeralds are linked to each other and act like magnets that can attract each other. This for example allowed Tails to pinpoint [[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]]'s location on the [[Space Colony ARK]] because he had the rest of the Chaos Emeralds in his possession.<ref>[[Sega Studio USA|Sonic Team USA]] (June 23, 2001). ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: [[Sonic Adventure 2/Script (Hero)#World Domination|World Domination]]. "'''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': The Chaos Emeralds are like magnets... they have the power to attract each other. If I can use that to find where Eggman is."</ref> The Chaos Emeralds are likewise linked to the Sol Emeralds, their inter-dimensional counterparts from the Sol Dimension, with the two sets of Emeralds having been described as the North and South on a magnet.<ref name="SRAdventureEnd"/><ref name="SRushEnd">[[Sonic Team]], [[Dimps]] (November 15, 2005). ''[[Sonic Rush]]''. [[Nintendo DS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Opening sequence (Extra). "'''[[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]]''': And, the Chaos Emeralds / '''[[Eggman Nega]]''': and the Sol Emeralds are / '''[[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]] & [[Eggman Nega]]''': In a manner, like the North and South magnetic poles. / '''[[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]]''': They can be used like a pair of magnets and be attracted to each other. / '''[[Eggman Nega]]''': Or they can be used to repel the other! / '''[[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]]''': In close proximity, these emeralds call out to each other. / '''[[Eggman Nega]]''': And the power this would generate... It could destroy the world!"</ref> This makes both sets of Emeralds capable of attracting and repelling each other.<ref name="SRAdventureEnd"/><ref name="SRushEnd"/> Also, when in close proximity, the two sets of Emeralds call out to each other,<ref name="SRushEnd"/> which will generate power of cataclysmic proportions unless those wielding the Emeralds knows how to use them or the Emeralds will themselves to remain stable.<ref name="SRAdventureEnd"/><ref name="SRushEnd"/><ref>[[Sonic Team]], [[Dimps]] (November 15, 2005). ''[[Sonic Rush]]''. [[Nintendo DS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence (Extra). "'''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Both Eggmen knew the secret of the emeralds, right? It's why the world didn't completely fall apart when the emeralds were together. Everything should be fine since I have the seven Chaos Emeralds. As long as the person holding the emeralds can control them... and knows how to use them, nothing can go wrong. And Blaze... now you have the power. You understand what I mean, right?"</ref>

When all seven Chaos Emeralds are used together, their power will be used up, and they will scatter to all corners of the [[Earth]].<ref name="SonicxTails">{{Cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/topics/special/coverstory/20201222_002400/|title=ソニック ＆ テイルス|author=[[Sega]]|publisher=[[Sonic Channel]]|accessdate=December 23, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive. org/web/20201222140952/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/topics/special/coverstory/20201222_002400/ |archivedate=December 22, 2020|language=Japanese}}</ref> They also quite often end up in [[Special Stage]]s, which are strange alternate dimensions. In general, though, they tend to land in places away from the public eye in an inert and lusterless state, where they can allow themselves to slowly regain their power.<ref name="SonicxTails"/>

As demonstrated during the [[Silver Castle Zone|Silver Castle]] [[Sonic Blast|incident]] and the [[Emerl]] [[Sonic Battle|incident]], the Chaos Emeralds are not indestructible, and can be shattered into [[Emerald Shard]]s that retain the Chaos Emeralds' energies. However, like the Master Emerald, they can be repaired if all their shards are brought back together again.

[[File:Sonic Superstars emerald powers.png|right|thumb|The Emerald Power selection wheel, from ''[[Sonic Superstars]]''.]]
As seen during the [[Sonic Superstars|Northstar Islands incident]], the Chaos Emeralds have [[Emerald Power|other powers]] that allows the user to perform near impossible actions such as [[Water (Sonic Superstars)|becoming water]]. However, these powers can only be unlocked in places with special energy supplies, such as the [[Northstar Islands]].

==Background==
===Arriving on Earth===
[[File:Ancients&ChaosEmerald.png|thumb|left|225px|The purple Chaos Emerald and the [[Ancients]], from ''[[Sonic Frontiers]]''.]]
Tens of thousands of years ago, a technologically superior race called the [[Ancients]] fled their home planet in the wake of the destruction caused by an almighty entity known only as [[The End]], bringing with them seven powerful gems as a power source for the [[Chaos Engine]]s to ferry the species to safety. As their spacecraft passed by the [[Earth]], the seven emeralds they possessed resonated with the power of the [[Master Emerald]] on the surface of the planet and overrode their navigation systems, causing the Ancients to land on the planet, which they decided to make their new home.

Colonizing the [[Starfall Islands]], the Ancients used the Emeralds' power to create [[Cyber Space]], a digital dimension to inscribe their knowledge and the essence of their soul for safekeeping, and the [[Titan (Sonic Frontiers)|Titans]], mechanized beasts with which they would use to battle The End. Although the advent of The End destroyed their civilization, the [[Elder|Elder Ancient]] had devised a contingency plan: a group of Ancient survivors would take the Emeralds and unite them with the Master Emerald at what would later become [[Angel Island]]. Their journey would ultimately lead to the creation of the [[Altar of Emerald]], and the Ancients themselves would later evolve to become the [[Chao]] that accompanied it. One Chao would then become mutated by the energy of the Master Emerald, thus becoming the water being, [[Chaos]].

===Later History===
Throughout history, civilizations have sought to harness the Chaos Emeralds' power: according to legend, the ancient civilization on [[West Side Island]] used the Chaos Emeralds for the advancement of their society and achieved great prosperity.<ref name="Sonic2JP" /> Other civilizations that knew about the Emeralds included the [[Babylonians]] and the [[Black Arms]], the latter whom have visited [[Earth]] at least 2,000 years ago. The Emeralds also have a connection to the [[Gaia Temple]]s which are more or less than ten thousands of years old. Numerous other locations are said to have held the Chaos Emeralds at one point, some of which claim to have done so since ancient times, including [[Cocoa Island]],<ref name="TAdventure">''[[Tails Adventure]]'' ([[Sega Game Gear]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pgs. 4-6.</ref> [[Angel Island]],<ref name="Sonic 3 JP">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' ([[Sega Mega Drive]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pgs. 34-36.</ref> [[Flicky Island]],<ref name="Japan">''[[Sonic 3D Blast|Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island]]'' ([[Sega Saturn]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pgs. 4-5</ref> West Side Island,<ref name="Sonic2JP" /> and [[South Island]].<ref name="OriginalSonic">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' ([[Sega Mega Drive]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pgs. 9-10.</ref> It is unknown how valid these legends are, given how some contradict others regarding the Emeralds' resting place, although this might be due to the Emeralds' tendency to appear wherever they are needed.

According to one legend, West Side Island's prosperity lead to avarice over the course of a single night when some people wanted the Emeralds for evil, sparking a conflict so great that the gods had to intervene and seal the Chaos Emeralds on the island.<ref name="Sonic2JP">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' ([[Sega Mega Drive]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pgs. 4-7.</ref> The same legend states that the gods created the Master Emerald to balance out the Chaos Emeralds' power and equipped the gem with the ability to nullify and control them, although this is dubious due to the Master Emerald's presence on Earth during the Chaos Emeralds' arrival on the planet. An [[Tikal's Prayer|ancient mantra]] associated with the Emeralds eventually arose, explaining their connection and abilities.

===The Knuckles Clan and Chaos===
[[File:Chaosemeraldspast.png|thumb|left|225px|The Chaos Emeralds at the [[Altar of Emerald]] about 3000 years ago, from ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]''.]]
Over 3,000 years prior to the [[Chaos]] [[Sonic Adventure|incident]], the Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emerald resided in the [[Altar of Emerald]], a shrine in the outskirts of the [[Mystic Ruins]]. There, each Emerald rested on one of seven stone pillars that surrounded the Master Emerald which lay in the center of the altar. Back then, the Emeralds were known only as "the Seven Emeralds" or "the Seven Chaos" that could grant wishes.<ref name="Pedigree">{{Cite book|title=[[Sonic Adventure: Navigation Guide|ソニックアドベンチャー ナビゲーションガイド]]|publisher=Softbank Creative|pages=156–158|date=March 1999|isbn=978-4797308624|language=Japanese}}</ref> In that shrine resided a colony of [[Chao]]. These peaceful creatures and their shrine were protected by the water-based deity [[Chaos]], the guardian god of the Chao.<ref name="Sonic Channel" />

Around 3,000 years ago, the ancient [[echidna]] civilization, the [[Knuckles Clan]], knew of the Chaos Emeralds and their supposed sacred power.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (19 October 1999). ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Mystic Ruins (Sonic Adventure)|Mystic Ruins]]. "'''[[Knuckles Clan]] tribesman''': Chao? Sacred power? No way! I don't buy it. We're goin' in to get those special stones."</ref> Around this time, [[Tikal]], the daughter of Chief [[Pachacamac]] of the Knuckles Clan and a friend to the Chao and Chaos, was allowed into the shrine where she could behold the Chaos Emeralds.

As the Knuckles Clan thirsted for power and conquest, Chief Pachacamac and his followers launched a raid on the altar to take the Emeralds and gain undisputed power. Tikal and the Chao stood between them however, with the former begging her father to leave the creatures and the Emeralds alone. However, her pleas fell on deaf ears, and the men trampled through Tikal and the Chao alike in the process, prompting Chaos to appear. In a fit of rage over the harm brought to his friends, he used the Chaos Emeralds to become [[Perfect Chaos]] and wiped out the clan's civilization in vengeance, before he was sealed in the Master Emerald by Tikal. After this event, the Emeralds went missing and were dubbed the "Chaos Emeralds" due to their association with Chaos.<ref name="Sonic Channel">{{Cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/chaos.html|publisher=[[Sega]]|title=[[Sonic Channel]]|work=Characters: Chaos|accessdate=July 3, 2015|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526171053/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/chaos.html |archivedate=May 26, 2019}}</ref>

===Professor Gerald and the ARK===
Over fifty years prior to the present day, the Chaos Emeralds were researched by Professor [[Gerald Robotnik]] onboard the [[Space Colony ARK]] as a part of [[Project Shadow]]. These research results led to the creation of the [[Chaos Drive]]s, small capsules containing [[Chaos Emerald energy]].<ref name="JSA2SG">{{Cite book|publisher=Enterbrain|date=October 10, 2001|url=https://pastebin.com/hudavzXH|chapter=５０年前の真実|title=ソニックアドベンチャー2パーフェクトガイド|language=Japanese |isbn=978-4757706255|accessdate=August 8, 2017}}</ref> During the experimentations on the Chaos Emeralds, Prof. Gerald also discovered that the [[Emerl|Gizoid]] he had discovered reacted to the Emeralds.<ref name="SBattleJournal1">[[Sonic Team]] (February 27, 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence ([[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]'s Episode). "'''[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 1''': I have uncovered a most interesting specimen from the warehouse. I believe it to be some sort of puppet or robot made by an ancient people. At first, I didn't think anything of it, but when I was experimenting on "Chaos Emeralds," it began to move. This suggests the possibility that even the ancient civilizations could harness the power of the "Chaos Emeralds." When I was researching various papers related to the "Chaos Emeralds" and this robot, I discovered that there was a possibility that this robot was something incredible. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but this robot may be the cause of the destruction of the Fourth Great Civilization. I'm not sure I believe it just yet, though."</ref> After a Chaos Emerald got installed into the Gizoid however, the robot went on a rampage that destroyed most of the ARK before it was subdued.<ref name="SBattleJournal6">[[Sonic Team]] (February 27, 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence ([[Cream the Rabbit|Cream]]'s Episode). "'''[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 6''': My worst fears have come true. The Gizoid has absorbed enough weaponry and technology that it has started to go out of control. The resulting rampage resulted in the destruction of most of the "Ark." ...I have deciphered the rest of the stone tablet. It says, "When the Gizoid had learned all that it could, it became a god of wrath, and all was destroyed." The researchers somehow managed to subdue the Gizoid and sealed it away. Luckily, it only had one "Chaos Emerald" installed. If it were to have all 7 Emeralds installed, it might destroy the whole planet. The Gizoid is too much of a liability. I tried destroying its core, but nothing I did worked. I understand too little of the technology that built him. My best hope is to try and reprogram its AI into a free-willed, emotions-based AI..."</ref>

==Artificial Emeralds==
{{main|Fake Emerald}}
[[File:Fake chaos emerald.png|thumb|225px|left|A fake Emerald created by [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]], from ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''.]]
It is possible to create synthetic Chaos Emeralds with the same wavelength and properties as the originals, but with less power as demonstrated by [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]. In addition, these fake Emeralds can be used to sabotage devices that require Chaos Emeralds to power them. Also, because it had the same wavelength and properties as the originals, fake Emeralds also allow the user to access [[chaos powers]] just as a genuine Chaos Emerald would, like [[Chaos Control]], albeit at a limited degree.

==Number of Emeralds==
[[File:Chaos emeralds.PNG|thumb|The Chaos Emeralds, from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', when there were only six rather than seven]]
In the very first game of the series, ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', there were originally six Chaos Emeralds. This was also true for the [[Sega Game Gear]]/[[Sega Master System|Master System]] games [[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'']], ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', ''[[Sonic Chaos]]'', ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble]]'', ''[[Sonic Drift 2]]'', and ''[[Tails' Skypatrol]]''. The number was extended to seven Emeralds in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' for the [[Sega Mega Drive|Genesis/Mega Drive]], and that number has been consistent ever since, with only a few exceptions, such as most other 8-bit titles. In the transition scene between ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' and ''Sonic CD'' in ''[[Sonic Origins]]'', it was shown that the seventh emerald (the cyan one) had been hidden underneath the ocean and only revealed itself after they left upon Sonic's usage of them restoring nature to [[South Island]].

''[[Sonic Spinball]]'' and its [[Sonic Spinball (8-bit)|8-bit counterpart]] featured sixteen Emeralds, all the same shade of blue.

In the [[Arcade system|arcade]] game ''[[Sonic the Fighters]]'', in order to travel to the [[Death Egg II]], the player must collect all the Chaos Emeralds. Each character held an Emerald in the "story mode," and to get another one from a different character, they must be defeated in a fight. However, instead of the traditional seven Emeralds, there are eight. The widely accepted reason for this is because there are eight fighters, and so, Sega added an extra Chaos Emerald. Some fans believe that this eighth Emerald is fake, but it is usually treated as a gameplay device rather than a significant plot element.

The ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog: Fang the Hunter]]'' comic miniseries later retcons a part of the story plot of ''[[Sonic the Fighters]]'', implying that no eighth Chaos Emerald was present during it. The series also establishes that an "eighth Chaos Emerald" spoke of in legends is actually the [[Warp Topaz]].<ref name="FTH3">[[Sonic the Hedgehog: Fang the Hunter Issue 3|''Sonic the Hedgehog: Fang the Hunter'' #3]], "story one"</ref>

==Colors==
[[File:Super-sonic-genesis-ps3-trophy-3656.jpg.png|thumb|150px|right|The seven Chaos Emeralds, from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]''.]]
In the original ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', the six Chaos Emeralds were blue, green, yellow, red, pink, and silver. A seventh, purple Emerald then appeared in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''. In ''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'', the pink Emerald was replaced with a cyan one. In ''Sonic the Fighters'', there were eight emeralds, one for each playable character: Sonic (blue), Tails (orange), Knuckles (red), Amy (pink), Bean (green), Bark (yellow), Fang (darker purple), and Espio (violet). The orange emerald was colored yellow again in ''Sonic Adventure'', and the colors of the Emeralds have remained constant ever since, as red, blue, yellow, green, gray, cyan and purple. The white Emerald often appears gray, and ''[[Sonic R]]'' had both a yellow and an orange Emerald instead of a blue/cyan one (the Chaos Emerald was blue in the racing course it was found in, but the screen after the race shows it as cyan). Strangely in ''[[Sonic Jump]]'', the cyan Chaos Emerald was replaced by a black one.

Certain games have used their own unique colors for the Chaos Emeralds - they are light blue in the 8-bit version of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', blue in ''[[Sonic Spinball]]'', and green in ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. In ''[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]'', the Emeralds were red, light blue, teal, magenta, yellow, orange, and purple.

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Gemstones}}
[[de:Chaos Emerald]]
[[es:Chaos Emerald]]
[[fr:Émeraude du Chaos]]
[[lt:Chaoso smaragdas]]
[[nl:Chaos Emerald]]
[[pl:Szmaragdy Chaosu]]
[[pt:Esmeraldas do Caos]]
[[ru:Изумруды Хаоса]]
[[uk:Смарагди хаосу]]
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