Even though these materials are extremely rare, they can typically be purchased at a lower price than some of the most popular gemstones. Why are they so inexpensive? Most people are not familiar with them, so they are not being requested in jewelry stores. In addition, the supply of these materials is so small, so fragmented, and so unreliable that they do not have a place with wholesale or mass-market jewelers.
The stresses placed on a meteorite during its formation, its travel through space, entry into Earth’s atmosphere, and impact with Earth’s surface all have a chance of fracturing the olivine crystals. Because of these fractures, it can be difficult to find pieces of extraterrestrial olivine that are large enough to facet – but many faceted stones have been produced!
The highest quality “as found” specimens are of greatest interest to scientists, meteorite collectors, and mineral collectors. The best gem-quality materials generally go to a small number of designer jewelers who use them to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Smaller and lower quality items fall into the novelty gem and collectibles markets.
The largest demand for extraterrestrial gem materials comes from people who are interested in using them in alternative and complementary medicine. They are some of the most active buyers of moldavite, tektites, and desert glass. These buyers believe that extraterrestrial gem materials have special properties that are helpful in promoting healing and wellness. (There is no scientific evidence to support the role of these materials in medical treatments.)
On this page you will find photos, art, and summary descriptions for several extraterrestrial materials that have been used as gems. Most people are surprised by their diversity and beauty.