Land of the Lustrous

Haruko Ichikawa's "Land of the Lustrous" is a science fantasy manga series written and illustrated by her. The series was first serialized in Monthly Afternoon magazine in 2012, and as of July 2023, it had been collected into 12 tankbon volumes.

The story is set in a world inhabited by "gems," humanoid beings made of various types of gemstones who are threatened by invading "Lunarians," aliens who seek to capture and use them as decorations. Phosphophyllite, the main character, is tasked with creating an encyclopedia, which leads them on a journey of self-discovery and growth as they learn about the world around them and the secrets of the gems' existence.

Earth has been hit by a meteorite six times in the distant future, completely destroying it each time. All remaining land was reduced to a single coastline, and nearly all life was extinguished. A new race of sentient life forms emerged over a long period of time. This is an immortal gem shaped like a human. Phosphophyllite (Phos) is a weak mineral that his peers regard as useless. After being tasked with creating an encyclopedia of natural history, Phos enlists the assistance of his aloof but wise partner, Cinnabar. This is the start of their friendship and personal development.

Author: Haruko Ichikawa
Original run: October 25, 2012 – present
Volumes: 12
Status: Ongoing
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/land-lustrous/s?k=land+of+lustrous