The Providence reforms and transmits energy. Reformation schemes used to be extremely complicated. Later, people found in the Frames landing sites structures they named psy-crystals.

These structures were the result of the creation of the portal from the Sponge. Passage from the other dimension created powerful anomalies and energy bursts, initiating synthesis of local soil and sponge material that also entered planet through the portal.

Both factions realized the value of psy-crystals. Due to Sponge origins, these structures could store information and also enhance and transfer mental impulses.

Due to these features, crystals helped to simplify Providence control. A command panel, named Matrix, was developed. It contained numerous slots, where command psy-impulses were recorded. When a psy-crystal was placed in one of the slots, it amplified the impulse to the point where it directed energy channel from Spiral into Providence according to a certain program.

At first, psy-crystals were gathered only near the Frames landing sites. Later they have been detected in other areas. It lead to the conclusion that portals into Sponge have been opened here before.

Crystals contain imprints of past events that people recognize as temporary visions, flashbacks. Legates were especially sensitive to flashbacks, as the ones gathering and operating the crystals.

Saving and reflecting feelings and experiences is the main feature of Sponge material (Psychosphere, Scourge). However due to the diverse relation to Sponge (and Scourge) Exodus sees visions in crystals as a dangerous side effect, and Harkback - as a valuable information source.