Extraterrestrial Gemstones: Futuristic Inspiration, Right for Our Times
The Earth is studded with space-born stones, remnants of meteorites that have touched down. Incorporating extraterrestrial stones into jewelry designs will produce ideal accessories for the sci-fi-inspired styles that grace fashion runways. The future is now—it's time to design with amazing gems delivered direct from the farthest reaches of the cosmos.
Thousands of years ago, meteorites unleashed enormous heat when they struck our planet. The intense heat resulting from meteorite impacts liquefied the surface layer of terrestrial minerals, propelling them into the atmosphere. Upon their descent, these molten minerals cooled and gave rise to the distinctive glass known as tektite. Tektite is readily available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Its irregular form, glassy appearance and dramatic creation story make tektite an intriguing conversation piece. Tektite often exhibits crater-like dimples, some of which are ideally sized to cradle crystals. Envision an asteroid hosting twinkling stars, all encapsulated within this distinctive component!
Pallasite meteorites showcase sizable olivine crystals suspended within an iron-nickel matrix, much like the chips in a chocolate-chip cookie. Olivine crystal is commonly known as peridot, a gemstone that occurs naturally here on Earth. Terrestrial peridot is indistinguishable from its extraterrestrial cousin, and its radiant glow is perfect for jewelry designs that will flatter any Earthling.
(Photo Courtesy of Doug Bowman)
Another little green visitor from space is moldavite, which takes on a deep yellow-green hue reminiscent of a vintage glass bottle. While moldavite is difficult to source for consistent jewelry production, its look is closely approximated by green tourmaline.
Imagine the appeal of innovative designs with otherworldly origins—blend green tourmaline, peridot, tektite and abstract components for a show-stopping creation that promises to make a "Big Bang."
It's mind-blowing to consider that crafting jewelry might feel a bit like being an astronaut, complete with close encounters with outer-space objects. Let your imagination wander to the far reaches of the universe, snag the materials that bring those cosmic vibes to Earth and turn your creative ideas into fantastic jewelry pieces.
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