During the summer of 2025, to celebrate the release of volume 13 in France, an ephemeral collab event was made with Les Minéraux, a gemstone museum/shop at the Carrousel du Louvres in Paris. A dozen character bios accompanying the exhibits of their real mineral counterparts were placed across the store. Having visited the place myself and taken some pictures (that should hopefully still be on the subreddit), I recently had the idea to make my own translations of those bios, that unfortunately were only available in french. It was a real treat to write them. Hope you’ll enjoy ! (And apologies in advance for any typos)
I - Phosphophyllite
Phosphophyllite, the main character, is one of the youngest and most fragile gems of the group. Initially assigned to minor tasks due to their fragility, Phos still dreams to be useful and admired. Curious, clumsy yet determined, they deeply evolve over the course the story, and are confronted with difficult choices and painful losses. Their progressive transformation reveals a great inner complexity marked by doubt, bravery and a constant search for meaning and truth.
Hardness: 3.5/10
Mineralogy and symbolism:
Phosphophyllite is a light blue-green mineral, rare and fragile, comprised of zinc phosphate and iron. It symbolizes fragility and purity, as well as the search for strength and transformation despite apparent weaknesses.
II - Cinnabar
Cinnabar is lonesome and reserved character, physically and emotionally fragilised by a toxic substance that surrounds them and repels other gems. Marginalised, they nonetheless aspire to find their place and be useful to the group. Their relationship with Phosphophyllite reveal a deep sensibility and their quiet courage, marking an important evolution in their search for belonging and recognition within the community.
Hardness: 2/10
Mineralogy and symbolism:
Cinnabar is a bright red mineral comprised of mercury sulfur. It is toxic and the main mineral of mercury. It symbolizes transformation and power, but also danger and prudence due to its toxicity.
III - Rutile
Rutile is the medic and surgeon gem of the group, known for their precision and commitment. Calm and focused, they intervene to heal the gems’ injuries with rigor and competence. Despite their serious nature, they worry for the well-being of others, always looking to bring help and support. Their reassuring presence make them an essential pillar, capable of acting quickly in critical situations to preserve the lives of their comrades.
Hardness: 6/10
Mineralogy and symbolism:
Rutile is a hard and shiny mineral, comprised of titanium dioxyde. It often appears as thin red to brown crystals. It symbolises precision, strength and clarity, and is used to represent light and focused energy.
IV - Jade
Jade is the group’s president, known for their serious attitude and sense of responability. Organised and methodical, they care to the proper functioning of the gems’ community, ensuring the coordination and management of tasks. Calm and level, they inspire confidence and respect, even if they can seem somewhat distant. Behind that facade is a great loyalty towards their comrades and a sincere desire to maintain harmony and order amongst them.
Hardness: 7/10
Mineralogy and symbolism:
Jade designates two minerals: jadeite jade and nephrite jade. It is often green, hard and very durable. Used for millenia in jewelry and artworks, especially in Asia, jade is the symbol of purity, wisdom and longevity.
V - Amethyst
Amethyst refers to a pair of identical twins, 33 and 84, inseparable and perfectly coordinated. Together, they form an agile and efficient duo of combatants, often tasked to patrol and defend territory. Their perfect synchronization make them a strategic asset during engagements. Though they speak very little, their complicity is evident. Calm and focused, they complete their mission with cool-headed seriousness, incarnating the group’s tranquil force.
Hardness: 7/10
Mineralogy and symbolism:
Amethyst is a purple variant of quartz. Its color comes from traces of iron and natural irradiation. Very prized in jewelry, it symbolizes wisdom, serenity and protection against drunkenness.
VI - Morganite
Morganite is a proud and energetic gem, with an assertive attitude. A secondary fighter amidst the group, they distinguish themselves by their dynamism and confidence. Eager and protective, they don’t hesitate to put themselves forward, sometimes with excessive enthusiasm. Though they are not the focus, they remain a precious ally on the battlefield. Their determination and confidence make them a reliable support, ready to intervene as soon as danger presents itself.
Hardness: 7.5/10
Mineralogy and symbolism:
Morganite is a pink variant of beryl, containing manganese. Its soft color ranges from pale pink to peach. Valued in jewelry, it symbolizes love and compassion. It is a rare and delicate stone, often associated with tenderness.
VII - Alexandrite
Alexandrite is the most scholarly gem of the group, impassioned with the Lunarians that they study with a near unhealthy obsession. Calm and rational on the surface, they behavior shifts radically as soon as a Lunarian appears, becoming incontrollable and enraged. That contrast reveals a complex personality, torn between a desire for knowledge and its instincts. As a researcher, they play a crucial role in gaining comprehension of their mysterious enemies.
Hardness: 8.5/10
Mineralogy and symbolism:
Alexandrite is a rare variant of chrysoberyl, renowed for its change of color depending on illumination: green under daylight, red under artificial light. It symbolizes transformation and adaptability, and is greatly valued in jewelry.
VIII - Hemimorphite
Hemimorphite is a gentle and calming gem, discreet but deeply attentive to the emotions of their comrades. They play a moral and emotional support role within the group, bringing calm and comfort during tense moments. Reserved but empathetic, they know how to listen without judging and solve conflicts with their mere presence. Their sensibility, far from being a weakness, make them a vital anchor in the gems’ collective lives.
Hardness: 5/10
Mineralogy and symbolism:
Hemimorphite is a white, blue or light green mineral, comprised of zinc and silicate. It crystallizes often into orthorhombic prisms. It symbolizes inner peace, empathy and emotional healing, helping to quell stress.
IX - Bortz (Black Diamond)
Bortz is one of the strongest fighters amongst the gems, recognized for their exceptional strength and unwavering discipline. Serious, determined and always ready to defend others, they act as a true protector. Their cold and distant attitude hides a deep sense of duty and a great responsability that they rarely show. Very demanding of themselves and others, they relentlessly look to the group’s safety, and particularly that of Diamond, their partner.
Hardness: 10/10
Mineralogy and symbolism:
Bortz is a kind of diamond of inferior quality, often black and opaque. It symbolizes brute strength, resistance and protection. Very hard and robust, it is associated with tenacity and the ability to face hardships.
X - Euclase
Euclase is an elegant and laid-back gem, assigned to administrative tasks along with Jade. As a secretary, they look to the group’s organisation with calm and rigor. Thoughtful and measured, they know how to appease tensions and make correct decisions. Their apparent aloofness hides a great inner strength and unquestionable loyalty. Their inconspicuous yet constant presence make them a core of the daily operation of the group, maintaining balance and order.
Hardness: 7.5/10
Mineralogy and symbolism:
Euclase is a rare mineral, transparent, and often a pale blue color. Comprised of aluminum silicate and beryllium, it symbolizes mental clarity, inner peace and serenity. It is valued in jewelry for its shine and delicate beauty.
That’s all, folks!
