Gibeon meteorite beads: handmade from the iron meteorite found by early explorers in Gibeon, Namibia, Africa. The widmanstattan pattern seen on the surface is unique to this meteorite. The pattern is the crystalline structure of iron formed in a weightless environment over billions of years.
The meteorite iron (93% Fe, 7%Ni) is cut into cubes, shaped into spheres, and polished up to a smooth, mirror-like surface. After that, it is etched with acid that reveals the crystalline structure classified as a fine octahedrite.
Historically, the ancient Egyptians recognized the meteorite metal from the sky as precious. In 1911 several meteorite beads were escavated from a Giza burial site dated at about 3200 BC. These artifacts were crafted by flattened and rolling it into long beads. Also, other meteorite iron impliments were found in tomb of the pharoah Tutankhamun. No way to know if they came from Gibeon but they are known to have a widmanstattan pattern.
Composed largely of iron, the beads feel heavy. They stick to a magnet and may rust. Therefore treat them with care, avoiding chlorine and soaking them in water. If rust appears treat with rust a light oil or rust inhibitor.
65 x 9.3 x 9.3 mm
23.4 g$300.00
The Gibeon's fine widmanstatten pattern has become the hallmark of meteorite iron and is therefore used widely in jewelry, watches and knife products.
