Have you ever gazed up at the night sky, absolutely mesmerised by the beauty of the cosmos? What if you could hold a piece of space for a tangible connection to the universe? This is where meteorite jewellery comes in.
You can now buy jewellery made of fragments of fallen meteoroids, asteroids or comets that hurtled through space for lightyears. Humans have an inherent fascination with the world, and that’s why meteorite jewellery has recently gained significant traction. Who doesn’t want otherworldly jewellery anyway?
Where Do Meteorites Come from?
The biggest appeal of meteorite jewellery is where it comes from, which is outer space. However, it’s not as simple as you might think.
Basically, there are two main types of celestial bodies that can turn into meteorites: asteroids and comets.
Asteroids
Asteroids are rocky leftovers from the formation of our solar system billions of years ago. They reside primarily in the Asteroid Belt, a region between Mars and Jupiter. Generally, they collide with each other and break down into smaller fragments that go flying in all directions.
Comets
Unlike asteroids, comets are icy dirtballs formed far beyond Neptune. As they move closer to the sun, its heat vaporises some of the ice, creating a glowing tail that streams behind the comet.
It’s a wonderful sight for humans, but it’s just an icy ball being broken down.
The Formation of a Meteorite
When one of these celestial fragments comes crashing into the earth’s atmosphere, the friction causes it to glow intensely bright. The creams of a meteoroid are what we witness as a spectacular “shooting star” streaking across the night sky.
Slowly, the outer layers may melt or burn away, but the core may retain enough mass and strength to resist complete destruction. When this last surviving piece reaches the ground, it transforms into a meteorite. This is the piece of space rock that we all fawn over.
What makes Meteorite Jewellery Special
The allure of this object transcends beyond exclusivity. It has features that can not be found in common earthly rocks.
The Hidden Widmanstätten Patterns
Iron meteorites possess a secret beauty waiting to be revealed. Within their metallic depths lie mesmerising Widmanstätten patterns. These patterns are not readily visible on the surface but emerge through a process called acid etching.
This process creates a breathtaking contrast, revealing a web-like network of interlocking ribbons, often in shades of silver and gold.
The beauty of Widmanstätten patterns lies not just in their visual complexity but also in their story. These patterns represent the internal structure of the meteorite, formed during its slow cooling millions of years ago within a larger asteroid.
Each pattern is unique. It’s a fingerprint of the meteorite’s cosmic history. No two pieces of meteorite jewellery will ever boast identical Widmanstätten patterns, making them truly one-of-a-kind treasures.
Out-of-the-World Durability
Stainless steel might be a durable choice for jewellery, but meteorites surpass them in all aspects, including durability. Iron meteorites, primarily composed of iron and nickel, can withstand the scorching heat of atmospheric entry and the immense pressure of impact.
This inherent resilience translates into a remarkable quality for jewellery – it is built to last generations. A piece of meteorite jewellery would make a great heirloom, and you could embed it into something already special, like a minute repeater watch, to create a true wearable art piece.
Owning a piece of meteorite jewellery is almost like holding a fragment of eternity. Attach it to a watch, and it becomes a constant reminder of the immense time scales involved in the formation of our solar system.
Meteorite Jewellery is a Conversation Starter
When you adorn yourself with something that encompasses the infinity of time, you carry a powerful symbol with you. You’re embracing a piece of space history. It’s a conversation starter, a unique piece that sparks curiosity and ignites the imagination.
Its inherent uniqueness is accentuated by the individuality of the Widmanstätten patterns, adding even more meaning to this piece of wonder you wear.
Types of Meteorite jewellery
Even though meteorites are rare, you still have a variety of options, each with its own unique characteristics and captivating beauty. Let’s delve into the three main types.
Iron Meteorites
The most common types of meteorites are made of iron. They are incredibly strong, making them ideal for crafting lasting jewellery pieces. Not to mention, their intricate Widmanstätten pattern that ranges creates captivating web-like structures.
Stony Meteorites
Stony meteorites offer a distinct aesthetic experience compared to their iron counterparts since they are composed of silicate materials similar to those found in earthly rocks. That’s also why they come in a wider variety of colours and textures.
These precious rocks can range from dark grey to brown to even greenish-yellow. As for their texture, you can choose for a smooth and polished look or a brecciated appearance. This broken and reassembled texture just adds a visual element that other gems can not replicate.
Stony-Iron Meteorites
Stony-iron meteorites, also known as pallasites, bridge the gap between iron and stony meteorites. They are a captivating blend of both and feature a metallic iron matrix with inclusions of beautiful olivine crystals.
These pieces are rare and more expensive, and they are the perfect balance of the previous two types.
Conclusion
Jewellery can hold a lot of value for a lot of people, and when you add an element like a meteorite to it, the meaning depends. It’s a perfect expression of love, making it the perfect gift for anyone beloved in your life.
So if your partner isn’t a fan of diamonds or pearls, they might be interested in a piece of the solar system.
