Ananova:

An Indiana scientist is using a meteorite to make the world's strongest sword.

He hopes the "Dragonslayer" will have mythical properties because of the metal's out-of-this-world origins.

He says the blade should be able to cut through a Samurai sword when complete.

Harvey Abramowitz will refine iron from the meteorite and mix it with other super-strong metals.

The plan is to create just one Dragonslayer and auction it off.

He said: "It will be made out of a new metal alloy that will be stronger than any other sword blade.

"The idea is to create 'The Dragonslayer' in such a way that it is stronger than either a Samurai sword or a Damascus sword and give it dragon-slaying mythical properties."

The associate professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University has used computer models to predict the new alloy's strength.

Once finished it will be sold at auction.

Prof Abramowitz added: "Sword collectors would pay handsomely for such an artefact."