Materia

Materia are spheres of Mako energy distilled into a solid form. Utilizing an ancient forging process, they are made to be inserted into weapons and clothing in order to allow their user to access the power within.

Cloud is capable of using Materia by attaching them to the Buster Sword. At first, he begins with only two slots in which to insert Materia. As he gains in level, he will be able to attach and use up to six Materia at once.

Spell Materia
Spell Materia appear green in color. Each one is unique from all others, and contains a different form of magic. Like their name suggests, Spell Materia contain spells that can be used once they are unlocked. Unlocking them requires the expenditure of red orbs to purchase new spells. Unless otherwise noted, all spells cost (the spell's MP cost x 1,000) to purchase.

There are sixteen Spell Materia in the game. They are: Barrier, Boost, Dark, Electric, Fire, Ground, Heal, Ice, Poison, Psychic, Restore, Rock, Seal, Transform, Ultima, and Water.

Most have an elemental affinity, cause status effects, or are used to aid the party in some way (such as replenishing HP or giving a stat boost).

Support Materia
Support Materia appear blue in color. Each one is unique from all others, and contains a different form of magic. Unlike Spell Materia, Support Materia do not contain spells that can be purchased. Instead, red orbs are used to increase a Support Materia's level. Each new level enhances the Materia in some way.

Support Materia are paired with Spell Materia in order to gain different effects. For instance, attaching the All Materia to a Fire Materia allows Cloud to cast Fire spells on all enemies within an area. With the exception of Mega All, all Support Materia must be paired with a Spell Materia in order to function.

There are six Support Materia in the game. They are: All, Elemental, Magic Counter, Mega All, MP Cut, and Multi.