Iron Object of Extraterrestrial Origin Found in China
Why this is here: The object’s 7.41% nickel content is a key indicator of its extraterrestrial origin, as this proportion is exceptionally uncommon in Earth-based materials.
Archaeologists in China discovered an iron object at the Sanxingdui archaeological site with a likely extraterrestrial origin. The 20-centimeter artifact, designated K7QW-TIE-1, was found in sacrificial pit number 7 dating to the Shang dynasty. X-ray analysis reveals the object is over 90% iron with 7.41% nickel.
This high nickel content is rare in terrestrial materials, leading researchers to believe it originated from a meteoroid impact. Microscopic study showed a homogeneous distribution of nickel within the metal’s structure. The object’s internal structure features equiaxed ferrite grains, formed by slow cooling similar to conditions in space.
Unlike other Chinese artifacts combining metals, this piece is monometallic and lacks decoration. Researchers suggest its hardness indicates use as a specialized tool, possibly for working the bronze masks of the Sanxingdui culture. It is the largest meteoritic iron object found to date in China.