The Tentetsutou 天鉄刀 Sword of Heaven on display at the Tokyo Skytree Tower is forged entirely from the Gibeon meteorite which landed in Namibia some 450 million years ago.
The name The Sword of Heaven is a reference to the ancient tradition of using meteorites to craft weapons and tools. Meteorites were considered rare and precious materials, often thought to possess mystical qualities. The exhibit's name reflects the awe and reverence that meteorites like Gibeon's fragment can evoke.
This extraordinary katana is the handcraft of master craftsman Yoshindo Yoshiwara.
ABOUT THE GIBEON METEORITE
The Gibeon meteorite is one of the most famous meteorites in history. It fell in prehistoric times, around 4 billion years ago, making it incredibly ancient. The meteorite's iron-nickel composition, distinctive Widmanstätten patterns, and its unique crystalline structure have made it a sought-after material for collectors and researchers.
ABOUT THE MUONIONALUSTA METEORITE
Discovered in northern Sweden near the village of Kitkiöjärvi, close to the Muonio River, from which it gets its name, the Muonionalusta meteorite was first found in the early 1900s, around 1906, but is estimated to be around 4.5 billion years old, making it one of the oldest known meteorites. It is believed to have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Like the Gibeon meteorite, the Muonionalusta meteorite exhibits distinctive Widmanstätten patterns caused by the slow cooling and crystallization of its iron-nickel alloys over millions of years. These patterns are a unique and striking feature of iron meteorites.
Meteorites like Muonionalusta and Gibeon are valuable to scientists because they contain materials that were formed outside of Earth. Studying these materials can provide insights into the early conditions of our solar system, as well as the processes that occurred during its formation.
Because of their age, striking Widmanstätten patterns, and limited availability, both the Muonionalusta and Gibeon meteorites are highly sought after by collectors, enthusiasts, and researchers alike.
METEORITES AT OFF ON A WHIM
Off on a Whim uses the Muonionalusta meteorite and it makes a truly special and unique addition to any piece it is in. It works well for both men and women, and is often requested in specialty gift pieces.
Check out our Meteorite Collection today!
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