Two iron objects in Spanish treasure may be made from meteorites
Chemical analysis suggests the 3,000-year-old artefacts from the Villena Treasure contain metal that arrived on Earth from space.
Two iron objects found in a Spanish treasure discovered in 1963 may have been crafted from meteoritic metal, according to a report by the Times of India. The items, a hollow hemisphere and an open bracelet, are part of the Villena Treasure, a Bronze Age goldwork collection found in Alicante, southeastern Spain.
The objects have iron-like surfaces affected by corrosion. Their presence in the collection had previously caused dating issues because terrestrial iron production began later than the period when the treasure was likely buried. The hemisphere has been interpreted as either a sword hilt or the top of a sceptre or staff of authority.
Researchers examined the chemical composition of the objects by sending tiny samples to a specialist laboratory in Mannheim, Germany. Using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, scientists tested for elements like nickel, cobalt, gallium, germanium and ruthenium.
The analysis showed that the hollow hemisphere contained 5.5% nickel, while a second sample from the bracelet also showed high nickel levels. The researchers stated that the findings suggest both objects were likely made from meteoritic iron.
The study noted that these results are consistent with a Late Bronze Age date. The researchers said further tests, such as gamma spectrometry and computed tomography, are required to increase certainty.
The Villena Treasure was discovered by José M.ª Soler at Rambla del Panadero in late 1963 and is currently held at the Villena Museum in Alicante.