Gemheart
Painting by krhart
A gemheart is a large gemstone, found within the bodies of all Greatshells. The bigger the animal, the bigger the stone. Even the smallest gemheart is worth a fortune and considered superior material for Soulcasting, offering near-limitless potential.[1]
During the War of Reckoning between the Alethi and Parshendi, the two forces would often engage in combat over the gemhearts, a further testament to their worth. Although it is not specified why the Parshendi want the gemhearts, it may be speculated that they need them, amongst other things, to obtain food through soulcasting or by some other means.[2]
| “ | "We won," Eshonai said, leaning back against the wall and folding her arms with a clink of Shardplate. "The gemheart is ours, we will continue to eat." [2] | ” |
Gemhearts found within chasmfiends encountered by Alethi warriors, were described as lumpy and uncut, pure emerald, in some cases as big as a man’s head.[3]
The term gemheart is also an affectionate romantic nickname in Alethi culture, as used by Dalinar and Navani Kholin.[4]
Function[]
The function of a gemheart is Roshar-related. It is Investiture and spren-related, resonating with the tones of Roshar.[5]
Characteristics[]
When creatures with gemhearts die, their bodies rot away but leave their gemhearts behind. So, there are fossil beds that exist with layers of gemhearts within them. These are later mined, but the build-up of crem on Roshar over time slowly covers such beds.[6]
Notes[]
The rain that falls on Roshar is hard water, full of crem that crystalizes. If a creature drinks that water, it gives that creature the nutrients needed to make gemhearts.[7]
Trivia[]
Gemhearts are very similar to mined gems. They're not 100% chemically identical, but are far more pure. While they may have flaws, they have no impurities. In a lot of gems, the colors waver and vary as different minerals enter them. Within gemhearts there is a pure ionic bond.[8]
Q&A with Brandon[]
Q. If a kandra with a crystal True Body made their way to Roshar, could they use their crystal bones like a gemheart?
A. Yes, they could. That is an excellent question.[9]
References[]
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 15. The Decoy
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Words of Radiance, Inter11.
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 13. Ten Heartbeats
- ↑ Oathbringer, 16. Wrapped Three Times
- ↑ YouTube Spoiler Stream 3, 12/16/21
- ↑ Book signing, Naperville, IL, 11/21/17
- ↑ Starsight Release Party, Orem, UT, 11/26/19
- ↑ Book signing, Skokie, IL, 3/22/14
- ↑ YouTube Spoiler Stream 4, 6/16/22
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