So while diamonds glitter on distant exoplanets and sparkle in alien skies, wood tells a deeper story. It is the rarest treasure because it is born from life. A simple stick on Earth is more precious than an entire planet of diamonds when viewed through the lens of the universe.

Three wood specimens were tested and showed no deformation after space exposure," the researchers said in a statement in May. "Despite the extreme environment of outer space involving significant temperature changes and exposure to intense cosmic rays and dangerous solar particles for 10 months, tests confirmed no decomposition or deformations, such as cracking, warping, peeling or surface damage.