BACKGROUND

Meteorites are traditionally named for the place these extra-terrestrial crash-landed. The earth is bombarded by thousands of tiny meteoroids every day. These miniature meteoroids, ranging in size from a grain of sand to pea size, usually don’t survive the minimum 7-mile per second flight through the earth’s atmosphere. These tiny meteoroids produce only a spark of light so faint, that human eyes miss the event altogether. Larger fragments produce shooting stars across the night skies. Still larger extra-terrestrial fragments produce spectacular fireballs.

THE LORE

Throughout history, many ancient people believed meteoroid showers were warnings from the Gods and foretold of future disasters to come. Many rulers interpreted these natural events to justify their outrageous conduct in some form. History reveals that not a single person lost their life as a direct result of being hit by a meteorite.

Unfortunately, many ancient people were, in fact, sacrificed, and war(s) were initiated to appease some alleged Draconian interpretation to these natural extra-terrestrial events. History is full of many inherently fascinating stories evoked by meteoroid showers and falls.

METHOD OF ENHANCEMENT

Many iron-nickel meteorites are heated to remove moisture and soaked in ethanol. Some are heated and usually sprayed with polyurethane to protect the meteorite from moisture, rusting, or flaking. Other meteorites are cut by a diamond saw, polished, and subsequently, acid etched with a mixture of nitric acid and ethanol. After the etching is accomplished, the meteorite is again sprayed with polyurethane sealer. This process reveals a unique “Widmanstatten Pattern” known only to iron-nickel meteorites.

Some meteorites are tumble-polished to produce a shiny metallic luster. All iron or iron-nickel meteorites need to be sealed.

GENERAL INFORMATION

In 1836, experts confirmed that a huge iron-nickel meteorite-strewn field existed in Gibeon, Namibia. Experts originally believed that perhaps a hundred meteorites fell in the Gibeon countryside. Subsequently, it is known that hundreds upon hundreds of meteorites showered not only the Gibeon area, but also a huge part of the Great Namibia territories.

“DR. GEM’S”® ADVICE

Meteorites are truly a unique heavenly treasure. Older than our planet earth, each Gibeon meteorite fragment has been cut with a diamond saw, polished, and acid etched to reveal the “Widmanstatten Pattern”, and sprayed with a polyurethane sealer. This pattern authenticates genuine IRON-NICKEL meteorites.

People of all ages truly enjoy owning a “shooting star’ with a Jewels & Diamonds™ “Certificate of Authenticity” suitable for framing. In time, many gifts lose their luster, break, or become obsolete. Meteorites don’t lose their luster, don’t break, and will never become obsolete. They remain unique throughout a lifetime and will always stir-up the dreams within each of us.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Jewels & Diamonds™ inventories tens of thousands of jewelry, gifts, collectables, and gemstones. Our new website catalog only features a tiny fraction of our store inventory at lower price points. Website consumers will see our selection expand exponentially. Consumers wishing to purchase items beyond our website’s credit card limit MUST make other financial arrangements outside of credit card sales. Jewels & Diamonds™ sells quality jewelry in all price points and beyond reality. Call “Dr. Gem”® today at 352-621-4653 and he’ll assist you personally.