Bronze Age Greek elites wore rings made from meteorite iron

New research published in the Journal of Archaeological Science suggests that Minoan and Mycenaean elites in Bronze Age Greece wore jewelry made from meteoritic iron. By analyzing 91 iron artifacts from 33 archaeological sites using portable X-ray fluorescence, researchers identified 13 objects with high nickel concentrations characteristic of extraterrestrial metal.

Notably, all 13 nickel-rich objects were finger rings or ring fragments, often found in richly furnished tombs alongside gold, silver, or bronze. Because terrestrial iron-smelting technology was extremely limited during the Bronze Age, this “sky iron” provided a rare and prestigious material. Researchers believe these rings served as symbols of power and social rank, potentially carrying religious significance due to their celestial origins.