The theory has generated almost no interest among astrophysicists and although was the topic of a conference proceeding, it has not been the topic of any scientific paper. The lack of interest comes from the fact that the concept requires one to accept a very speculative theory of quantum gravity yet provides no real benefit over black holes. Furthermore, there is no theoretical reason from quantum gravity that space should behave in the way that Mottola and Mazur assume.

The gravastar's name origin is simply: GRAvitational VAcuum STAR.

Mottola and Mazur have suggested that gravastars would be the solution for the black hole information paradox and that the gravastar might be a source of gamma ray bursters, adding yet one more speculative possibility to the dozens if not hundreds of ideas that have been proposed as the cause of GRB's. However, the consensus among astrophysicists is that there are much less radical and speculative ways of resolving both issues.

Externally, a gravastar appears similar to a black hole; it is visible only by high-energy emissions it creates while consuming matter. Astronomers observe the sky for X-rays emitted by infalling matter to detect black holes, and a gravastar would produce an identical signature.