Ever since the first of the Infinity Stones was introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Captain America: The First Avenger, fans have become intrigued by their stories. We were never able to fully understand their powers until Avengers: Infinity War came out, and Wong explained the origins of the stones.
“At the dawn of the universe, there was nothing, then boom. The big bang sent six elemental crystals hurtling across the virgin universe. These Infinity Stones each control an essential aspect of existence.”
Wong in Avengers: Infinity War
Doctor Strange then goes on to explain the specific types of stones and what they hold power over.
“Space, Reality, Power, Soul, Mind…and Time.”
Doctor Strange in Avengers: Infinity War
Now we all know what powers the stones have in the Marvel movies, but what about real life? Pankaj Khanna, Founder and Managing Director of Khanna Gems Private Limited describes what powers the stones have in real life.
How the stones end up in Thanos’s hands in Avengers: Infinity War will be clarified, so if you haven’t watched the movie, I suggest you do so it doesn’t get spoiled for you.
They are listed in the order that Thanos acquires the stones.
Power Stone (Orb)
Photo: Marvel Entertainment
Powers in the MCU: immense increase of strength and durability
Real Life Meaning: “The purple-coloured gem, Amethyst, helps to overcome fears” (Khanna).
It isn’t shown on film how Thanos got the Power Stone. It’s explained later when the Guardians cross paths with Thor and he explains how Thanos got to Xander, where the Nova Core kept the stone, and attained the first stone of his collection.
Space Stone (Tesseract)
Powers in the MCU: manipulation of space and teleportation.
Real Life Meaning: “The majestic blue Sapphire possesses the power to make and break an individual’s life. Wearing this stone can help the bearer have a calmer and sharper mind, and ensures people take up tasks in a proper manner” (Khanna).
At the end of Thor: Ragnarok, Loki stole the Space Stone from Asgard. Asgard is destroyed by the Fire Demon Surtur and Loki and Thor escape on a ship. However, Thanos intercepts it in the beginning of Avengers: Infinity War. Loki surrender’s the stone to Thanos in exchange for Thor’s life.
Mind Stone (Chitauri Scepter)
Photo: Reddit
Powers in the MCU: ability to read and control minds
Real Life Meaning: “The yellow stone, known as the magnificent Sapphire in all its hues, is associated with wisdom, wealth, sound health and prosperity” (Khanna).
Towards the end of Avengers: Infinity War, Vision, Wanda, and Thanos were engaged in an intense battle, which resulted in Thanos ripping the Soul Stone from Vision’s forehead.
This scene hit me pretty hard because Vision is one of my favorite characters.
Reality Stone (Aether)
Powers in the MCU: alteration of reality
Real Life Meaning: “The red gem, also known as Ruby, improves the real power of concentration” (Khanna).
To obtain the Reality Stone, Thanos destroys Knowhere, where it was kept with the Collector.
Time Stone (The Eye of Agamotto)
Photo: CinemaBlend
Powers in the MCU: manipulation of time
Real Life Meaning: “The green stone representing Emerald ensures better earning opportunities and a steady and positive in-flow of wealth. It promotes career growth, ensures societal recognition, and yields spiritual benefits” (Khanna).
On the planet Titan, Thanos’s homeworld, Tony and Dr. Strange were nearly defeated after battling it out with Thanos. In the end, Dr. Strange gives Thanos the Time Stone in exchange for Tony’s life.
Soul Stone
Powers in the MCU: manipulation of souls
Real Life Meaning: “The orange stone that represents Coral promotes strength, wisdom, intellect, power, courage, determination and enthusiasm” (Khanna).
Thanos had to pay a heavy price in order to get the Soul Stone. As Red Skull explained, the stone could only be acquired after a sacrifice of one he truly loved was made. Thanos pays this price as he gives up his adopted daughter Gamora.
Which Infinity Stone is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!