Meteorite Rings in Damascus Style

The Discovery Site of the Gibeon Meteorite

The captivating story of the Gibeon meteorite, discovered near Namibia's Great Fish River, is not only a significant chapter in astronomy but also an inspiring source for unique jewelry pieces. The first fragments of this iron-rich celestial body, discovered in 1836, have enchanted the world ever since.

The phenomenon of the Gibeon meteorite, meticulously documented by Capt. James Edward Alexander and later by geologist Paul Range, reveals a history that reaches far into the past. The location of the meteorite fragments on Pleistocene limestones indicates an impact long after the formation of these geological layers, making the meteorites relatively young visitors to our Earth.

With an estimated age of over four billion years, the Gibeon meteorite is a piece of cosmic history. Its origin in the asteroid belt and its classification as a fine octahedrite (Group IV A) give it special significance. Its unique polycrystalline structure, marked by the famous Widmanstätten patterns, is evidence of its extraterrestrial origin and exists nowhere else on our planet.

The impressive strewn field of the Gibeon meteorite, covering an area of about 370 x 185 kilometers, is known as the largest of its kind on Earth. The discovery of over 26 tons of meteorite material in this area attests to the enormous size and significance of this event.

In Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, visitors can admire 31 fragments of this extraordinary meteorite. These pieces are important not only as exhibition objects but also as catalysts for scientific research and inspiration for artisans who create exquisite jewelry pieces like the Gibeon meteorite rings from them.

These rings, made from the four-billion-year-old fragments of the Gibeon meteorite, are more than just jewelry – they are carriers of a deep, cosmic history and uniquely connect their wearers with the universe. Each piece is a symbol of the infinite expanses of space and the timeless beauty of nature.

Meteorite Ring wedding band in damascus style, proudly forged for a couple from California, USA - Dok 5144

Meteorite rings heaven and earth, forged by Martin Steinhorst

Briefly about the ring

The meteorite ore, as well as the iron ore for the meteorite rings, is smelted in the racing furnace.

Here you can see the upper part of the furnace from which the fire emerges

A nice close-up of the coke fire as it burns in the racing furnace

Another view of the chimney. The upper part of the racing furnace

Layering of the meteorite and iron. Alternating

Forge fire for the production of meteorite rings

The glowing block of layers is forged

The meteorite iron block in the forge fire

Further forging with the air hammer

Dividing and folding the meteorite - iron block

Further forging with the air hammer

Martin Steinhorst at the forge fire forging the meteorite rings

The first shapes of a meteorite ring become visible

Meteorite Damascus ring on the anvil

The rings are repeatedly annealed in the gas furnace

The Discovery Site of the Gibeon Meteorite

Various links to informative websites on the subject of meteorites

German books about meteorites

Books in English