Frequently asked questions

• Is this actual meteorite, and what type is being sold as beads?

  Most meteorite beads in the bead trade are cut from iron meteorites — predominantly Campo del Cielo (Argentina), Muonionalusta (Sweden), and Sikhote-Alin (Russia). These are iron-nickel alloys (kamacite and taenite) that originated in the cores of differentiated asteroids. Stony meteorites are rarely cut into beads because they're too friable. Tektite is sometimes sold under meteorite-adjacent names but is actually impact-melt glass formed on Earth, not an extraterrestrial body itself.
• Why does meteorite rust, and how do I store it before stringing?

  Iron meteorite is a metallic iron-nickel alloy, and like any unprotected ferrous metal it will oxidize when exposed to humidity, skin oils, or salt. Store strands in a sealed bag with silica gel desiccant, away from bathrooms and kitchens. Wipe beads with a soft dry cloth before stringing and avoid handling with damp hands. A light wipe of mineral oil or microcrystalline wax can slow oxidation. Once rust pitting starts it's effectively permanent, so prevention matters more than remediation. Do not ultrasonic, steam, or water-wash iron meteorite beads.
• What is the etched/Widmanstätten pattern I see on some beads?

  Iron meteorites that cooled slowly over millions of years developed an interlocking crystal structure of kamacite and taenite. When the cut surface is polished and acid-etched, that structure reveals itself as the Widmanstätten pattern — a geometric lattice of bands unique to iron meteorites and impossible to fake in terrestrial iron. Muonionalusta and Sikhote-Alin show particularly clean patterns; Campo del Cielo's pattern is coarser. Etched beads need the same moisture-avoidance care as plain polished ones, and the etched surface can be slightly more reactive because acid removes the protective oxide layer.
• What kinds of jewelry does meteorite work best in?

  Treat meteorite like a reactive metal component rather than a typical gemstone bead. It excels in earrings, pendants, and statement necklaces where it won't contact skin oils or moisture constantly. Avoid bracelets and rings worn daily — wrist sweat accelerates rusting. Pair the cool grey metallic surface with matte black (onyx, tektite), deep red (garnet), or warm metals (oxidized silver, bronze). Smaller 6mm rounds work as spacers between larger focal stones; 12mm faceted or cube cuts carry a design as the central element. Seal finished pieces with a wearable wax or sell with a care card.
• How do I tell meteorite from hematite, pyrite, or tektite?

  Hematite is iron oxide — heavier feeling, with a reddish streak when scratched on unglazed ceramic, and it doesn't rust. Pyrite is iron sulfide, brassier in color, brittle, and can develop a sulfurous bloom rather than rust. Tektite is a black glass, lighter in hand, non-magnetic, often with a pitted surface texture. Iron meteorite is strongly magnetic, dense, steel-grey, and shows the Widmanstätten pattern when etched. A neodymium magnet is the quickest field check — meteorite and hematite both respond, but only meteorite shows the etched crystal structure on a polished face.