[muawiyah]

The meteorite is set into a stainless steel bracket. Here's the problem ~ that's not the original! There are public records of it having been replaced with other meteorites from time to time.

The Arabians have had access to a storehouse of meteorites out in the Empty Quarter for hundreds of years. When they need a new one they just go get it. They seem also to have served to help them get a head start on making corrosion resistant or "stainless steel" weapons, armor, decorative screens and so on.

[combat_boots]

OK. I’ll go there. In the eastern corner. Inside the sacred mosque.

You bring up a good point about steel, though. I have always admired Damascene steel.

Pics: http://www.janubaba.com/wallpapers/images/wp_Janubaba_kaaba_2006262118324PDA9Q.jpg

http://islamgreatreligion.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/kaaba-map.jpg