<p>Here are a couple of thoughts on Peridot that I have (kinda) managed to pull into a theory:
</p><p>Peridot almost seems like a preschooler at times, as she continues to constantly pull in information from the world around her, she is more open to new ideas and concepts than most Gems should be, and she craves attention, just like a child would.
</p><p>A reason I think that she may have been formed much more recently than the other Crystal Gems lies with how unknowing she was (and still is) with certain feelings. I mean, don't you think that she would have developed any sort of feelings if she had existed for at least the last seventy years? Every Gem that we have encountered on the show has had their own little personality (Ex: Topaz is emotional, Aquamarine is sarcastic, Blue Pearl is quiet, Yellow Pearl is snobby, ect.), but instead, Peridot doesn't express any feelings - except for slight annoyance - until she meets the Crystal Gems.
</p><p>Another reason for the possibility of her recent formation is how she has no knowledge of anything on Earth. She didn't know what rain was, or that humans still existed. Shouldn't she have done at least a little research before going on the mission to Earth? It should be common knowledge that you should never go on a mission without the slightest bit of background information. A lack of intel may cause the *ahem* failure of the mission, as you don't have the slightest idea what you are about to encounter. Like a Steven. She may not, however, have been given the time to research anything before her mission started.
</p><p>At one point, Peridot's reaction to the Crystal Gems is to fire Gem-destabilising shots at them while screaming "DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!" Now, I don't know about you, but I have heard many children scream those exact words at me while hitting me and thinking that it will hurt, or while they are playing with toys... or video games. I could definitely list that action under child-like behaviours.
</p><p>Also, Peridot seemed to be amazed at the power of her limb enhancers. For example: When she used her limb enhancer's tractor beam on Pearl, a look of "It actually works!" momentarily crosses her face. Also, when she used her plasma cannon for the first time, she seems in awe, as she looks back and forth from her limb enhancer towards the pillar where she fired. Finally, although we see her do it a lot, she seemed to be inexperienced with her helicopter fingers the first time we see her use them.
</p><p><span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Another thing with I associate with recent formation is Peridot's constant learning habits. Peridot didn't learn the "Nyaaah" face (pulling down one eyelid, sticking out her tongue, and smiling) from anywhere on Homeworld. She saw Steven use it moments earlier, and used it, like a "Monkey See, Monkey Do" scenario, which children tend to do often. She also constantly asked Steven "Is this a weapon?!?" about almost everything in a bathroom.
</p><p>A trait that I associate with youth in Peridot is running to someone trusted for help. When the Crystal Gems keep "breaking her things," Peridot goes to Jasper for help, and then, later on, does the same thing with Yellow Diamond. This is much how like a child would go to a parent if they were being bullied or laughed at.
</p><p>These reasons cause me to believe that Peridot is a recently-formed Gem and that she may have even spent more time on Earth than on Homeworld, which could explain how easily she turned against Homeworld and her "flawless" Diamond.
</p><p>These are the only counter-arguments that I can think of for this theory:
</p><p>"If Peridot was made recently, then how come she's so experienced with technology and tools?" - Well, it might be a case of pre-programming, as all Peridots are a type of Homeworld "Tech support".
</p><p>"If Peridot was recently made, then how did she know that the feet for her limb enhancers could detach?" - I would think that the Gems who gave the enhancers to the Peridots would tell them how the enhancers work to avoid serious injuries and shattering.
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<hr><p>Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! It would be great if you could share your thoughts on this theory, so I can either improve or debunk it. Thanks!
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