DaYan Gem Cube X

DaYan Gem Cube X

The tenth puzzle in DaYan's Gem series, also known as Gem 10. It was released in 2022. At first glance, the DaYan Gem Cube X is easy to mistake for the first Gem: it has the same 14-faced shape that resembles a cut gemstone. The difference is in the mechanism. The Gem X is a hybrid: it allows all the moves known from the Gem I, plus the turns from the Gem II, made parallel to the square faces.

How it differs from the Gem I

In the Gem I, the edge pieces can only rotate in place. They never change position. In the Gem X, the extra turns at the square faces let you move them, so an edge can end up in a neighbouring, wrong spot. Gem I methods are not enough here, and you will need to work out your own sequences, for example for swapping edges. The puzzle also jumbles, which means that in some positions it allows unusual moves that go beyond the basic turning scheme.

How it turns

This is a puzzle for relaxed solving, not a speedcubing cube. Don't expect the light turning you know from magnetic 3x3 cubes. Opinions on the mechanism are mixed. Some people describe the turns as smooth. Others report catching and situations where pressing on two corners makes one of them start turning on a different axis. To keep the turns predictable, align the pieces carefully and don't force a move that resists.

Who is it for?

For collectors of the Gem series and for people who have already solved a few puzzles other than NxN cubes (e.g. Skewb, Megaminx or earlier Gems) and want something more challenging. It is not a good first puzzle beyond the 3x3. If you are buying it as a gift for a child, it will suit someone who already solves confidently and enjoys long, demanding puzzles.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Model: Gem Cube X (Gem 10)
• Designer: Daqing Bao
• Release year: 2022
• Type: 14-faced hybrid puzzle, Gem I moves plus turns parallel to the square faces (as in the Gem II)
• Jumbling: yes
• Dimensions: approx. 97 x 95 x 80 mm
• Weight: approx. 240 g
• Body colour: black