Meteorite arrowhead found in Switzerland flaunts an iron-nickel-aluminium alloy composition

The prehistoric daggers that killed white walkers in Game of Thrones might not be entirely fictional, as a team of geologists and archaeologists has uncovered an arrowhead possibly carved out of a meteorite in Switzerland. X-rays, electronic microscopic images, and high-energy radiation studies have revealed that the core material combines iron, nickel and aluminium.

Compared with other meteorite samples, the iron-nickel-aluminium alloy arrowhead matched absolutely and awed the team, as this is the third discovery of a similar genre. Before this, two meteorite artefacts were discovered in Poland; one bracelet and an axe head. It is suspected that Central and Western Europe might be home to a wide range of such historical products of great significance.

At a late Bronze Age pile-dwelling site in Switzerland, a series of bronze arrowheads were discovered over a century ago. Although no meteorite-related finds were found at the site, a nearby meteorite called the Twannberg iron meteorite, the largest meteorite discovered in Switzerland, was thought to be the source of the arrowhead material.

However, a recent chemical analysis showed that the Twannberg meteorite was not utilized for this specific arrowhead. Instead, the team found similarities in the nickel and germanium concentrations between the Mörigen arrowhead and the Estonian Kaalijarv meteorite, which fell about 3,500 years ago during the Bronze Age and produced several small fragments.

Even though Estonia is geographically far from Switzerland, researchers believe that the arrowhead is more likely linked to this meteorite because of its similar properties. This discovery points to a possible trade network between Switzerland and Estonia involving commodities such as amber, silex stones, and iron meteorites. Currently, the team is searching for more artefacts to advance their study and explore this potential network.

Physics has taught us elements found on the earth’s crust are scattered all over the universe, yet it is quite exciting to seek a meteorite material with an aluminium composition. AL Circle wishes the crew all the best for future explorations, may we find more historical items with traces of aluminium in them.