Gibeon
Namibia Desert, South Africa

In 1838, J. E. Alexander reported the finding of a large meteorite
mass 2 feet square, 3 days journey northeast of Bethany and near
the east bank of the Great Fish River, in Great Namaqualand. This very
beautiful and unusual meteorite was found in 1836, although native
inhabitants knew about it before then. The Namaquas worked the metal into
arrowheads and spear heads. So ductile was it that rifle bullets could be
shaped cold. Over 54 large masses totaling more than 15 tons have been
found, and so there are a number of synonyms for this occurrence, including
Amalia Farm, Bethany, Cabay, Damaraland, Goamus Farm, Great Fish River,
Great Namaqualand, Kameelhaar, Kamkas, Lion River, Mukerop, Namaqualand,
Springbok River, Wild. Most recovered specimens display flight markings
and evidence of violent atmospheric breakup. It has a wonderful, fine
octahedrite pattern when etched and is very resistant to rust because of
the tight fitting crystals, lack of inclusions and high nickel content.
The largest known mass is in the South African Museum, Cape Town; it weighs
650 kilograms (1,430 pounds). Total recovered weight of this meteorite is
unknown.