View source for Z-Crystal

[[File:Type-specific Z-Crystals anime.png|thumb|350px|Z-Crystals in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'']]
A '''Z-Crystal''' (Japanese: '''{{tt|Ｚ|ゼット}}クリスタル''' ''Z-Crystal'') is an [[item]] required to upgrade [[move]]s to [[Z-Move]]s through the use of a [[Z-Ring]]{{sup/7|SM}} or [[Z-Power Ring]]{{sup/7|USUM}}.

In the [[Alola]] [[region]], Z-Crystals play an important role in the [[island challenge]], as they provide proof of completing trials and grand trials, much like [[Gym]] [[Badge]]s in other regions, though not all Z-Crystals are obtained in this manner. Like [[Sparkling Stone]]s, the objects that are crafted into Z-Rings and Z-Power Rings, Z-Crystals are pieces of {{ga|Necrozma}} that had chipped off and traveled to Alola through [[Ultra Wormhole]]s. Z-Crystals are described as crystalized forms of [[Z-Power]].

During the game, the player can obtain Z-Crystals for their [[Bag]], which will be stored in a dedicated Bag section. These Z-Crystals can be used to create [[held item]]s of the same name at will. A held Z-Crystal is automatically removed if the Pokémon is [[trade]]d between players; however, some Pokémon received from [[in-game trade]]s may be holding a Z-Crystal the player already has. This is in contrary to lore, where the Trainer will only need to own one Z-Crystal on their Z-Ring/Z-Power Ring, channeling the Z-Power onto their Pokémon.

Holding a Z-Crystal makes {{p|Rayquaza}} unable to [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]]. If {{p|Arceus}} holds a type-specific Z-Crystal, its [[type]] changes to correspond to the Z-Crystal via its {{a|Multitype}} ability; unlike with [[Plate]]s, however, its [[signature move]], {{m|Judgment}}, remains unaffected.