Story perspectives

Ancient Meteorite Tool Found, Redefines Bronze Age Iron Use

4/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Sanxingdui archaeological site in Sichuan, China, yielded an axelike tool forged from a meteorite.
It is the oldest meteoritic object from Bronze Age southwest China.
Researchers report the tool comprises 90% iron and 7.41% nickel, forged without bronze.
The discovery reshapes understanding of early iron use and technologies.
A September 2023 exhibition, Gazing at Sanxingdui: New Archaeological Discoveries in Sichuan, will be held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

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Story summary

The Sanxingdui archaeological site in Sichuan, China, yielded an axelike tool forged from a meteorite.
It is the oldest meteoritic object from Bronze Age southwest China.
Researchers report the tool comprises 90% iron and 7.41% nickel, forged without bronze.
The discovery reshapes understanding of early iron use and technologies.
A September 2023 exhibition, Gazing at Sanxingdui: New Archaeological Discoveries in Sichuan, will be held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.