"Bubbling" is the process where a Gem encases a specific object inside a bubble via contact or energy projection, and either takes it with them or transfers it to a different location. Items and Gems that are bubbled remain inactive until released.
When a bubbled Gem is released, it instantly regenerates with seemingly no problems or awareness of their time contained as seen with the Centipeetle Mother and Peridot.
Process
The Gem picks an object that they desire to encase inside the bubble, and concentrate to create a bubble that can surround the object. This bubble is able to float independently from its creator. The majority of bubbles are seen in the Crystal Temple inside The Burning Room that only Garnet is allowed inside of. After bubbling an item, the holder can either keep it in their possession or teleport it to a different location via physical contact. As mentioned earlier, the bubbled gems are transported to the Burning Room.
Objective
The objective of bubbling of Gem is to contain its gemstone so it can't regenerate into a physical form.
Trivia
- It is unknown if all Gems possess the ability to bubble objects.
- Garnet is able to bubble gems with and without her gauntlets which implies that Gems don't always need physical contact to bubble gems.
- Amethyst is the only Crystal Gem (aside from Rose Quartz, Ruby, and Sapphire) who is not seen bubbling Gems in the show. However, because there are various purple bubbles visible in The Burning Room, it can be assumed she has bubbled Gems in the past, and Rose Quartz has bubbled gemstones, as seen in "Lion 3: Straight to Video" and "Secret Team".
- Additionally, Peridot, Jasper, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Sugilite, Stevonnie, Sardonyx and Rainbow Quartz were not seen bubbling gemstones.