Fascinating Meteorites In Namibia: The Unique Material From Space

October 26, 2023 african-crossing Design 0

Gibeon is a town in Namibia that has a story about space rocks. A place known for the discovery of meteorites in the 1800s; where rocks from space came down to earth.

This natural phenomenon has given scientists a physical example of the unique material from space. Uncovering the wonders of the universe helps us to understand our solar system and planet earth.

Meteorites are not just an interesting historical marker, the watch making industry has found uses for the rock material in watches.

 

What are Meteorites?

 

 

 

Space rocks begin as meteoroids; broken pieces of asteroids, moons, comets and planets. As they travel at high speed through the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn out.

Meteorites are space rocks that have landed on earth without burning out

 

 

A Work of Art from the Stars: Meteorite Watches

Rarity, uniqueness and craftsmanship, is in the art of watchmaking. A piece of our cosmic origins can be turned into a timepiece.

Companies like Rolex and Omega produce exclusive watches with pieces of space rock.

The Gibeon meteorites have a distinct Widmanstatten pattern that’s attractive to some watchmakers. This pattern is only revealed when the meteorite rocks are cut into thin sheets and treated with an acid wash.