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[[File:Heroes Emeralds.PNG|right|thumb|300px|Collecting the seven Chaos Emeralds is frequently an objective to finish a [[Sonic games|Sonic game]].]]

The '''Chaos Emeralds''' are a collection of mystical gemstones that appear as major plot elements throughout the [[Sonic games]] (and in most other continuities too). Even individually, these strange jewels can channel miraculous powers unmatched by almost anything in the universe; enabling their possessor to [[Chaos Control|manipulate time and space]], as well as unleash incredible [[Chaos Blast|destructive forces]]. Collect all seven and a [[Super transformation|miracle]]'s supposed to happen.

==General==

The Emeralds' awesome abilities inevitably mean that they are coveted by every supervillain on [[Sonic's world]] ([[Black Doom|and beyond]]), so a great many of Sonic's adventures involve keeping them out of the pudgy hands of [[Doctor Robotnik]]. Even discounting their supernatural powers, the Chaos Emeralds' glittering beauty (and cash equivalent value) makes them top targets for the more financially-motivated characters as well; namely [[Nack]] and [[Rouge]].

Chronologically, the Chaos Emerald's first appearance in the series was at the [[Mystic Ruins]] [[emerald shrine]], during the time of [[Tikal]] and [[Pachacamac]]; this is also where the Emeralds earned their "chaos" name, on account of the destruction and mayhem they [[Perfect Chaos|brought]] to the [[Knuckles Clan]]. In modern times, the Emeralds can be found in a variety of different places, but usually located in a [[Special Stage]] - bizarre pocket dimensions that the gems seem to weave around themselves.

The number, color, and shape of the Emeralds were at first inconsistent between games, but from ''[[Sonic 3]]'' onward, they were 'finalized' as being 7 [[Wikipedia:Brilliant (diamond cut)|brilliant cut]] gemstones, colored red, green, blue, cyan, purple, yellow, and grey.

==Console games==
===Sonic 1===
[[Image:Chaos Emeralds Sonic 1.png|right|thumb|Sonic 1: Got them all!]]First introduced in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' for the [[Sega Mega Drive]], 6 Chaos Emeralds were located in the 2D rotating [[Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog 16-bit)|Secret Zone]]. The [[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit) US Manual|US Manual]] states:

:''"'''Chaos Emeralds''': These come in six different colors: yellow, pink, blue, green, red and white. You'll find one in each Secret Zone. Collect all of these!"''

Obtaining all 6 Emeralds was necessary to obtain the "Good Ending". Their purpose was not explained during the game, as [[Super transformation]] was not implemented in this game.
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===Sonic 2===
[[Image:Chaos emeralds sonic 2.png|right|thumb|Sonic 2: Got them all!]]''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic 2]]'' for the Mega Drive was the first game to feature 7 Chaos Emeralds. This number has been used by the majority of the games since. They appear different, however: They now have 6, rather than 8, sides (from the 2D viewpoint of the player). The 7th Emerald was given the color purple. The others are the same color as the ones in Sonic 1 (see above), with the exception of the blue Emerald, which is now a lighter color.

In this game, the Emeralds are central to the plot: [[Dr. Robotnik]] has taken control of much of the island, and [[Sonic]] must obtain them before he does. Sonic and/or Tails must go through a [[Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog 2 16-bit)|pseudo-3D half-pipe Special Stage]] to get them this time.

This time, getting all 7 Emeralds not only unlocks the "Good Ending", but it also enables Sonic to transform into [[Super Sonic]], who has been featured in many games, and virtually all other Sonic-related media since then. [[Tails]] is unable to transform.

Knuckles can use the 7 Emeralds to transform into [[Super Knuckles]] in ''[[Knuckles in Sonic 2]]''.
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===Sonic 3 & Knuckles===
[[Image:Chaos Emeralds Sonic 3.gif|right|thumb|Sonic 3: Got them all!]]A direct sequel to ''Sonic 2'', this Mega Drive game once again has the Chaos Emeralds at the center of its plot. Interestingly, the Emeralds have changed color and shape once again, even though they are stated to be the same Emeralds as those in ''Sonic 2''.

Sonic and Tails, with the 7 Emeralds from the end of ''Sonic 2'', come to Angel Island when they see Robotnik has crash landed there. Robotnik tricks resident echidna [[Knuckles]] into stealing the Emeralds from Super Sonic. Knuckles steals and then hides  the Emeralds in 7 [[Special Stage (Sonic 3 & Knuckles)|pseudo-3D Special Stages]], which rotate when you turn. You must collect all the [[Blue Sphere|Blue Spheres]] located in the stage to earn the Emerald. 

Upon obtaining all 7, Sonic may transform into Super Sonic, as in ''Sonic 2'', while Tails again cannot transform. Knuckles can also transform into Super Knuckles upon obtaining all 7 Emeralds.
====Super Emeralds====
:''Main article: [[Super Emeralds]]''[[Image:Super Emeralds S3K.gif|right|thumb|Knuckles got them all!]]
Sonic and Knuckles are later given access to the [[Hidden Palace Zone (S&K)|Hidden Palace Zone]]. Upon entering the zone with all 7 Chaos Emeralds, the 7 gems will fly up and give their power to 7 larger [[Super Emeralds]]. The Hidden Palace also contains the [[Master Emerald]]. The new Super Emeralds are located in 7 new Special Stages.

Upon obtaining all 7 Super Emeralds, Sonic can transform into [[Hyper Sonic]], Tails into [[Super Tails]], and Knuckles into [[Hyper Knuckles]].
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===Sonic Spinball===
[[Image:Chaos Emerald Sonic Spinball.png‎|right|thumb|Sonic Spinball: Emerald Power!]]Both the [[Sonic Spinball (16-bit)|Mega Drive version]] and [[Sonic Spinball (8-bit)|Game Gear/Master System]] versions of ''Sonic Spinball'' feature a record total of ''16'' Chaos Emeralds. They are scattered across the levels in the game, and require doing certain precision pinball tricks to obtain. They are all blue, and are similarly shaped to the Emeralds in ''Sonic 2'' (see above).

As with most other games, the Emeralds are central to the plot. The [[Sonic Spinball US Manual|US Mega Drive manual]] states:

:'''The Chaos Emeralds'''
:Chaos Emeralds stabilize the Mt. Mobius volcano on which the Veg-O-Fortress stands. Without the Emeralds, a massive eruption would blow the Fortress to pieces!
:You must spin, bounce and bump through the Pinball Machines to snatch all the Chaos Emeralds on each of four levels. When you've collected all the Emeralds, the Veg-O-Fortress will explode!

The... ''excessive'' quantity of these ''Spinball'' emeralds, along with their uniform blue colouration, and apparent absence of an associated [[Super transformation]], leads some fans to speculate that these shouldn't be considered real Chaos Emeralds at all. It's also interesting to note that Sonic Spinball is actually set in the Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comic's world of Mobius, which could explain the overabundance of Chaos Emeralds in Sonic Spinball; in the comics of the day the Chaos Emeralds were incredibly numerous and all green colored (Why they are blue in Spinball is a mystery).
===Sonic 3D Flickies' Island===
[[File:S3DMDChaosEmeralds.png‎|right|thumb|Sonic Got All The Chaos Emeralds]]Collecting the 7 Chaos Emeralds in ''Sonic 3D'' allows Sonic to fight the final boss and see the good ending.  In the Mega Drive / Genesis version, the Emeralds take on a cuboid shape with a circular depression in one of the facets.  In the Saturn and PC versions, their appearance was changed to the brilliant cut shape they take on today. Sonic collected the Emeralds by bringing 50 or more rings to Tails or Knuckles, who were hidden in most levels.  Sonic would then be transported to a special stage. The Mega Drive / Genesis version special stages involved Sonic running along a long bridge, collecting rings and avoiding mines.  The Saturn and PC versions both contained full 3D half-pipe special stages similar to those in ''[[Sonic 2]]'', where Sonic had to once again collect rings and avoid mines.
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===Sonic Adventure===
[[Image:Sadx_chaosemerald.jpg|right|thumb|A Chaos Emerald, as it appears in ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'']]In ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', the Chaos Emeralds were revealed to have both Positive and Negative energies. The Emeralds were collected by [[Dr. Eggman]] to feed [[Chaos (character)|Chaos]], the "God Of Destruction". Chaos would power up greatly and change form when being fed a Chaos Emerald and when he has been fed all 7, he could become powerful enough to destroy the world. With the Chaos' power, Eggman would create his dream-city: EggmanLand. After transforming into Perfect Chaos with all 7 Chaos Emeralds and destroying Station Square, Perfect Chaos fully absorbed the Negative Energy in the gems, leaving only the Positive left. Sonic then used the Chaos Emerald's Positive Energy to transform into [[Super Sonic]] and defeat Perfect Chaos. It is during this game that the color of the emeralds is suggested to be linked to the "negative" energy and their size to the "positive" energy, as the emeralds become colorless after Chaos absorbs the negative energy, but do not dissappear like in later installments until Sonic absorbs the positive energy. However, this idea is not revisted in later titles (where the emeralds simply dissappear altogether when someone goes to their Super State), so no definite conformation is available.
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===Sonic Adventure 2===

In ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'', Sonic and [[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]] had the ability to use the Chaos Emeralds to perform "Chaos Control": alter time and space to teleport or freeze time. Shadow collected the Emeralds for Dr. Eggman to power the ARK, at which point [[Biolizard]] took over the station. It became [[FinalHazard]], and then Sonic and Shadow had to team up and use the Chaos Emeralds to become Super Sonic and [[Super Shadow]] and defeat FinalHazard.

===Sonic Heroes===

In ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'', the [[Special Stage]]s returned and collecting all the Emeralds and completing all 4 team's stories unlocked the last story against [[Metal Sonic]], who used the numerous character's data to become a dragon beast in the fight [[Metal Madness]]. In the final fight, Sonic becomes Super, and transforms Tails and Knuckles to become [[Team Super]] to defeat the [[Metal Overlord]].

===Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)===

In ''[[Sonic 06]]'', the Chaos Emeralds are shown to not only be able to warp time and space in the present, but they can warp through time and space to different time periods altogether. This happens with numerous characters at many points throughout the game, using the power of the Emeralds to warp to different areas across the time stream. The Emeralds are shown here to also have the power to revive, as Sonic is revived from death using the power of the Emeralds. By the end of the game, the final boss [[Solaris]] exists in all three time periods simultaneously, and Super Sonic, Super Shadow, and now [[Super Silver]] have to be in the past, present and future at the same time to fight it. All this never truly happened however, as all this is erased from the timeline at the end of the game.

===Shadow the Hedgehog===

In ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog]]'', the Chaos Emeralds become story elements once again, but this time Shadow is trying to find the Emeralds to discover his past. In the end, it turns out that [[Black Doom]] was using him to get the Emeralds so he could use Chaos Control on the [[Black Comet]] to get it to the planet's surface. Shadow then goes [[Super Shadow|Super]] to stop him and destroy the Black Comet.

===Sonic Unleashed===

In ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]'', it is learned that the Chaos Emeralds have the power to keep the planet together in one piece. By restoring the Emeralds to their own alters in each [[Gaia Temple]], the Emerald restores its energy and reconnects a chunk of the planet. Sonic later uses the Emeralds to go Super and defeat [[Perfect Dark Gaia]].

===Sonic the Hedgehog 4===

''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4]]'' returns to the [[Giant Ring]]s to open the [[Special Stages]]. These Special Stages, like ''Sonic 1'', are spinning mazes which you need to navigate to earn the Chaos Emeralds. Getting all the Emeralds allow you to be Super in the main stages, and unlocks the true ending after beating the game.

===Sonic Colors===

In ''[[Sonic Colors]]'', the Chaos Emeralds are unlocked outside of the main story, the first time it can be done in a 3D Sonic game. They are unlocked by earning [[Red Rings]] in the main stages, which will unlock new stages in [[Game Land]]. Beating all stages in each section of Game Land (1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 as an example) will earn the player a Chaos Emerald. Getting all 7 Emeralds will unlock a Mode in the Options Menu to play as Super Sonic in the main stages.

===Sonic Generations===

''[[Sonic Generations]]'' returns to the 3D games formula with the Emeralds as a plot device. Classic and Modern Sonic collect the emeralds from each boss and the three rival battles. One emerald is obtained in the overworld after all the levels are beaten. At the end of the game, both Classic and Modern Sonic transform into their Super forms and battle against the [[Time Eater]].

==Handheld games==
Numerous hand-held Sonic games contain or reference the Chaos Emeralds in some form.

===Game Gear titles===
The 8-bit hand-held Sonic games, all released for the [[Sega Game Gear]] (with some also released on the [[Sega Master System|Master System]]) generally had 6 Chaos Emeralds, with varying colors and ways to obtain them. The games revealed little to nothing about the emeralds, most centering around classic Sonic gameplay combined with new features and gimmicks.  None of the Game Gear titles included any form of [[super transformation]].

====Sonic 1 8-bit====
[[File:Sonic1MasterSystemChaosEmerald.png|thumb|right|Sonic, about to collect a Chaos Emerald in ''[[Sonic 1 (8-bit)]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Jungle Zone]]]]
The Game Gear and Master System versions of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic 1]]'' had the Emeralds scattered in certain acts of each zone; the [[Bonus Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog 8-bit)|Bonus Stage]] of the game was used to obtain rings, score, and continues. All 6 Emeralds are light blue in this game, due to hardware limitations. If all of the Emeralds are collected, Sonic holds them up at the end of the game, where they circle around the island clearing it of all of Robotnik's pollution.  The manual states: 

:"'''Chaos Emeralds''': These appear in every zone. Collect all six and see the ''real'' ending!"<br clear="all">

====Sonic 2 8-bit====
[[File:Sonic2MasterSystemChaosEmerald.png|thumb|right|Sonic, about to collect the red Chaos Emerald in ''[[Sonic 2 (8-bit)]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Gimmick Mountain Zone]]]]The Game Gear and Master System ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|versions of Sonic 2]]'' are similar to ''Sonic 1'': There are only 6 Emeralds,  they are all different colors though, and are hidden in the zones. Collecting them all allows access to the last level, [[Crystal Egg Zone]]. The [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear) US Manual|manual]] states:

:"'''Chaos Emerald''': Search for these in the Zones. Collect all six to rescue Tails and see the ''real'' ending!"<br clear="all">

====Sonic Chaos====
[[File:SonicChaosChaosEmerald.png|thumb|right|Sonic, about to collect the yellow Chaos Emerald at the end of a [[Special_Stage_(Sonic_Chaos)|special stage]] in ''[[Sonic Chaos]]'']]From ''[[Sonic Chaos]]'' and beyond, the Emeralds would be found in special stages like in the 16-bit games. Once Sonic collects 100 rings in a stage, he is automatically sent to the [[Special Stage (Sonic Chaos)|special stage]], as opposed to getting an extra life (once Sonic has all the Chaos Emeralds, though, collecting 100 rings will achieve the classic effect). Once inside, Sonic must find and collect the Chaos Emerald hidden somewhere in the stage, and may obtain rings along the way. Tails cannot enter the special stage, and hence cannot collect any Chaos Emeralds (he merely gets a 1-up when he collects 100 rings). Robotnik holds the 6th and final emerald, and obtaining all 6 leads to the Good Ending.<br clear="all">

====Sonic Triple Trouble====
[[File:SttEmeraldRoom.png|thumb|right|Sonic, about to collect the blue Chaos Emerald at the end of a [[Special_Stage_(Sonic_Triple_Trouble)|special stage]] in ''[[Sonic Triple Trouble]]'']]Like its predecessor ''Sonic Chaos'', ''[[Sonic Triple Trouble]]'' has 6 Chaos Emeralds, the first five hidden in the [[Special Stage (Sonic Triple Trouble)|special stage]], with the final one held by Robotnik. Special stages alternate between a platforming stage and an airplane stage. At the end of either, you are warped to an arena where you must defeat [[Nack]] to obtain the emerald.<br clear="all">

====Sonic Drift series====
''[[Sonic Drift]]'' uses the Chaos Emeralds to denote the difficulty of the Chaos Grand Prix racing competitions. They are Green, Yellow, and Red, in order from easiest to hardest. The sequel, ''[[Sonic Drift 2]]'', uses them in the same manner, except they are Purple, White, and Blue. They appear similar to the Emeralds from ''Sonic 2'' and even moreso to ''Sonic Spinball''.

====Sonic Blast====
The 5 Chaos Emeralds in ''[[Sonic Blast]]'' are obtained in a mixture of older games: enter the large ring in the stage (as in ''Sonic 3'') and collect enough rings (as in ''Sonic 2''). However, you are only allowed to enter a single stage per level; if you enter another ring you'll be taken to the same stage only able to win an extra life.

If all 5 are obtained, Sonic or Knuckles gets to fight an extra final boss and see the Good Ending.

====Tails Adventure====
In ''[[Tails Adventure]]'' for the Game Gear, there are 6 Chaos Emeralds, scattered throughout the levels. They are colored, in order of appearance, red, green, purple, white, blue, and yellow. Each increases your maximum rings by 10. When all 6 are obtained, maximum rings goes up to 99.

====Sonic Labyrinth====
In ''[[Sonic Labyrinth]]'' Sonic is awarded a Chaos Emerald upon successful completion of each of the first 5 stages of the game. The 6th emerald is hidden within a [[Bonus Stage (Sonic Labyrinth)|special stage]] accessed in [[Labyrinth of the Sea]], Act 3. Obtaining all 6 Emeralds unlocks the Good Ending.

===Game Boy Advance===

====Sonic Advance Series====
In the three ''Sonic Advance'' games, the seven Chaos Emeralds are all hidden in special stages.  Collecting all seven unlocks an "Extra Zone" where Sonic transforms into Super Sonic and battles a final boss.

====Sonic Battle====
Emerl, the legendary Gizoid, draws his power from Chaos Emeralds. As he gains more and more emeralds, his speech and personality become more and more developed and his battle abilities grow stronger and stronger.

===Nintendo DS===
Chaos Emeralds are also featured in the ''Sonic Rush'' series , ''Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood'', and the DS Version of ''Sonic Colours''. They like the Advance series unlock a [[Last Story]], and have a final boss to fight.

===Other===
In ''[[Sonic Pocket Adventure]]'', Sonic goes to the [[Special_Stage_(Sonic_the_Hedgehog_Pocket_Adventure)|Special Stage]]s and collects the 7 Emeralds. By collecting them all, he can go to the final zone, [[Chaotic Space Zone]].

==Other games==
''[[Sonic CD]]'' featured the [[Time Stones]] as a power item, rather than the Emeralds. Likewise, ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]'' had the [[Chaos Rings]].

==Television Shows==
===Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog===
[[Image:AoStH_Emerald_Chart.jpg|right|thumb|Robotnik's chart of the four Chaos Emeralds]]
[[Image:aosth_emeralds.PNG|182px|right|thumb]]
In ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', there are only four Chaos Emeralds.  Unlike the game continuity, each of the emeralds provide their user with a different power. From top left on the image to the right: invisibility, invincibility, immortality, and "the power of life itself": the ability to bring objects, particularly Robotnik's robots, to life.  For some reason, each of these emeralds only exist in the past, hence Robotnik and Sonic had to travel back in time to collect them.  When Robotnik used all four emeralds at the same time, he grew to gigantic proportions and was granted god-like powers.

===Sonic Underground===
Chaos emeralds in ''[[Sonic Underground]]'' are green stones filled with unlimited chaos energy.  There is no limit to the number of emeralds in the SoUND universe, but they are very rare - only two chaos emeralds made appearances through its entire 40 episode run. Knuckles the Echidna uses a chaos emerald to make the floating island float, which Sleet and Dingo attempted to steal for Robotnik.  The other chaos emerald was found by Robotnik and used to power his flying fortress.

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