History Main / PowerCrystal

* In the ''Film/{{Superman}}'' films, crystals activate the holographic systems in the Fortress of Solitude. They can also remove (and, in rare cases, restore) Kryptonian powers.

* The Chaos Emeralds from the ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'' games are the epitome of this trope. There are seven of them, and even a single fake Chaos Emerald can teleport. A single real one is all that it takes to essentially freeze time in a decently sized area. Two Chaos Emeralds are capable of opening a ''portal through time''. And when you get all seven, its pretty much the epitome of SuperMode. They can also be used as power sources by machines such as biplanes, and six or so of them can power [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 huge planet-destroying]] [[VideoGame/SonicUnleashed cannons.]]

** The ''VideoGame/SonicRushSeries'' introduces the Sol Emeralds, a set of emeralds from the Sol Dimension which serve as the counterpart to the Chaos Emerald. Just as Sonic can use the Chaos Emeralds to become [[GoldenSuperMode Super Sonic]], [[PlayingWithFire Blaze]] can use the Sol Emeralds to become Burning Blaze.

* The Chaos Emeralds from the ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' games are the epitome of this trope. There are seven of them, and even a single fake Chaos Emerald can teleport. A single real one is all that it takes to essentially freeze time in a decently sized area. Two Chaos Emeralds are capable of opening a ''portal through time''. And when you get all seven, its pretty much the epitome of SuperMode. They can also be used as power sources by machines such as biplanes, and six or so of them can power [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 huge planet-destroying]] [[VideoGame/SonicUnleashed cannons.]]

** The [[Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries original series]] [[Franchise/StarTrekExpandedUniverse novel]] "Chain of Attack" suggested low warp speeds were possible without dilithium crystals simply using the power generated by the annilation of matter and anti-matter, and dilithium was needed to amplify the reaction enough to make higher warp speeds possible.

** The currency of Roshar is crystals that store Stormlight. On top of that, they are luminescent when filled with Stormlight, so many kings use them to illuminate their hallways. A very practical solution. Until an assassin well versed in magic comes for you. Anyone with Surgebinding abilities can breathe in the Stormlight held by the crystals, granting them enhanced speed, regeneration, and powering whatever their particular magical abilities are.
** Shardplate is also powered by Stormlight, and it's common to encrust the suits with gems to enhance the armor's durability.

* ''LightNovel/{{Slayers}}'': Halfway through ''Slayers Next'', Lina acquires a set of four Demon Blood Talismans from Xelloss, which she can use to amplify her magical power. She wears one on her collar, another on her belt, and the others on her wrists; they glow brightly when she channels their power. In addition, she also sports a pair of fake crystals in her shoulderpads, enchanted to explode when removed by a thief.

* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZelda'': Magical artifacts like the three spiritual stones in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'' are often ornate gemstones with gold decorations or the like, while in the same game the gilver and golden gauntlets have red gemstones set into them, possibly the source of the extra strength they give you. In addition, the [[InfinityMinusOneSword Master Sword]], in all its appearances, has a yellow gem set in the hilt where the blade meets the crossguard.

** ''ComicBook/{{Thunderbolts}}'': Moonstone's name and powers are derived from a Kree gravity stone that was found on the Earth's moon and bonded with her nervous system. The stone gives her the power of flight, intangibility and laser blasts from the hands. For a time, she had absorbed a second gravity stone which also granted her the ability to control gravitational forces, erectforce fields, generate miniature black holes, and transport objects through dimensional rifts.

* ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'': There is a crystalline substance known as Dust which was pivotal in humanity driving out the Grimm and establishing society. Dust not only powers people's weapons, but also acts as fuel for vehicles and ammunition for firearms. It can be woven into clothing and be directly fused with a person's body (though that is extremely dangerous).

* ''WesternAnimation/PrincessGwenevereAndTheJewelRiders'' uses them as {{Transformation Trinket}}s. And [[SwissArmySuperpowers just about everything else]], for that matter.

* ''WesternAnimation/PrincessGwenevereAndTheJewelRiders'' uses them as {{Transformation Trinket}}s. And [[GreenLanternRing just about everything else]], for that matter.

** ''ComicBook/SquadronSupreme'': The various versions of Doctor Spectrum get their GreenLanternRing powers from a Power Prism, a large multicolored gem. ''ComicBook/SquadronSupreme2015'' reveals it is of Kree origin.

* [[ParodiedTrope Parodied]] in ''Film/NapoleonDynamite'': The crotch-frying "time machine" that Uncle Rico ordered online needed you to insert the most vital part: power crystals. Which probably were just pieces of quartz. Surprisingly, [[AluminumChristmasTrees the time machine featured in the film is a very real device]] called a "hyper dimensional resonator". Plans and kits for building it can be ordered from ads posted in many New Age (and similar) magazines and websites, and there are even unofficial websites for hyper dimensional resonator users. Not only is the "power crystal" just quartz, the plans ''specifically call for'' ordinary quartz (which is treated by the plans as if it were a PowerCrystal). The only real bit of parody in the scene is the crotch-frying bit. Though usage the real thing ''does'' involve wiring electrodes to your crotch, and it kinda seems like you would wind up electrocuting yourself, it actually never does any more harm than failing to send you back in time, wasting your money, and making you look like a complete fool.

** The [[Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries nriginal series]] [[Franchise/StarTrekExpandedUniverse novel]] "Chain of Attack" suggested low warp speeds were possible without dilithium crystals simply using the power generated by the annilation of matter and anti-matter, and dilithium was needed to amplify the reaction enough to make higher warp speeds possible.

* ''Franchise/StarTrek'' dilithium comes in crystals, and in the original series must remain in that form to work.

* In ''Fanfic/VowOfNudity'', Spectra's warlock powers (and disease immunity) come from the gemstone on her cursed necklace.

* In ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory1'', Buzz asks Woody if they still use fossil fuels or if they have discovered crystallic fusion.

* ''Franchise/SailorMoon'': Sailor Moon and Sailor Chibi-Moon's Power source and transformation devices are the aptly named Silver Crystal. They carry their respective versions in a brooch worn on the bow on their chests. The same crystal is also carried on Sailor Moon's wand during the first arc[=/=]season after it's obained and the other girls get a crystal they transform with in the [[Manga/SailorMoon manga]]. Each senshi is said to have one known as a Sailor Crystal (apparently the the Sailor Starlights carry their Sailor Crystals in their brooches acorrding to the [[AllthereInTheManual Material's Collection]]).

* Methane clathrate is effectively a form of natural gas trapped in water ice crystals.

** Protoss units are also often adorned with power crystals. ''Starcraft 2'' has some units, like the [[{{Teleportation}} Warp Prism]] and [[WaveMotionGun Void Ray]] which are built around them. The [[AllThereInTheManual fluff]] describes the Warp Prism as a "computer built into the lattices of a crystal".

* ''TabletopGame/MageTheAwakening'': Mages use ''soul stones'' to create [[PlaceOfPower Places of Power]] and enhance their own spellcasting. A soul stone is literally part of the creator's soul and magic, voluntarily separated and manifested; despite the name, they take many forms, from gems to perfect imitations of live plants.

* In ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory'', Buzz asks Woody if they still use fossil fuels or if they have discovered crystallic fusion.