Soul gem

A soul gem, also known as a spirit gem was a specific gem that was used to magically contain the spirit or soul of another living being.

Description
These gems shone with a strong radiance that could illuminate darkened spaces.

Powers
It was possible for the spirits of the dead to use a spirit gem to communicate with people on the Prime Material plane, even if their soul had no connection to the gem.

In the case of undead beings, spirit gems acted similarly to phylacteries; the gem's destruction would allow the physical form the undead to be permanently destroyed.

Notable Spirit Gems

 * The topaz embedded into the staff of Lady Lord Yanseldara held the spirit of the dracolich Hethcypressarvil and for a brief time, her own.

Appearances

 * Novels
 * The Veiled Dragon
 * Video Games
 * Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter • Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal