
If the player does not have all of the Chaos Emeralds prior to reaching Mushroom Hill Zone, the acquired Chaos Emeralds will become Super Emeralds and the player is given the opportunity to acquire the first Super Emerald.

When the player enters their first Special Stage in Mushroom Hill Zone, they teleport to Hidden Palace Zone where the Chaos Emeralds are taken from them and transformed into gray (apparently depleted of power) Super Emeralds, thus beginning the Super Emerald quest. Super Emeralds are enhanced versions of the Chaos Emeralds.

The Master Emerald (center-top) surrounded by the seven Super Emeralds.
