From Indiatimes · TOI Science Desk · · 2m
Spanish Treasure Holds Meteoritic Iron
Chemical tests reveal 3,000-year-old Spanish treasure objects may be made from meteoritic iron.
In brief
Chemical tests reveal 3,000-year-old Spanish treasure objects may be made from meteoritic iron. Chemical analysis suggests two iron objects in Spain's 3,000-year-old Villena Treasure were crafted from meteoritic metal. Originally reported by Indiatimes.
Villena Treasure Discovery
Two iron objects found in a Spanish treasure discovered in 1963 form part of the Villena Treasure, a major Bronze Age goldwork collection in Alicante, southeastern Spain.
Unusual Iron Objects
The hollow hemisphere and open bracelet have iron-like surfaces affected by corrosion, raising questions about their age and origin.
Dating Problem
Terrestrial iron production began later than the period when the treasure may have been buried, creating a dating challenge.
Research Paper Published
Scientists published findings in Trabajos de Prehistoria, titled 'Meteoritic iron in the Villena Treasure?', examining chemical composition of both objects.
Nickel Content Analysis
Initial tests detected iron and nickel in samples, but the low nickel levels in the bracelet initially suggested terrestrial iron.
Second Sample Taken
Researchers took a deeper sample from the bracelet in 2013 to get higher nickel measurements for accurate analysis.
Nickel Levels Confirmed
The hollow hemisphere contained 5.5% nickel, while the bracelet showed 2.8% nickel after deeper sampling.
Meteoritic Iron Match
Both objects fell within the meteoritic iron distribution region based on nickel-to-iron and nickel-to-cobalt ratios.
Trace Elements Match
Similar levels of gallium, germanium, and ruthenium suggest a common origin for both objects.
Late Bronze Age Date
The findings are compatible with a Late Bronze Age date, before widespread terrestrial iron production began.
Cabezo Redondo Connection
The researchers linked the dating possibility to the Villena Treasure's relationship with the Cabezo Redondo Treasure, abandoned before 1200 cal BC.
Further Tests Needed
Additional non-invasive techniques like gamma spectrometry and muon radiography are needed for higher certainty.
Conclusion
Chemical tests suggest both objects were made from meteoritic iron, with a high probability of Late Bronze Age origin.
The takeaway
Chemical analysis suggests two iron objects in Spain's 3,000-year-old Villena Treasure were crafted from meteoritic metal.
