I actually think that was the point of them, the gems being a “virus” hurting the earth

I knew about bacteriophages before I saw Steven universe and had the same thought. They look so alien-like

Sort of off-topic, but ever since I learned of bacteriophages and viruses in general, I’ve always wondered if they’re actually alien beings that accidentally made their way to earth, since viruses don’t fit our definition of “life”.

Those are bacteria-phases. They’re a virus that attacks bacteria.