Terracotta Warriors' pristine weapons mystery solved

For decades, scientists have been perplexed by the marvelous state of preservation of bronze weapons associated with China's famed Terracotta Warriors. The weapons retained their shiny, almost pristine surfaces and sharp edges after being buried for more than two millennia.

Research published on Thursday by an international team of scientists may solve the mystery while putting to rest the hypothesis that ancient Chinese artisans employed an advanced preservation method using the metal chromium.

In fact, the fine preservation state of the weapons, including swords, lances and halberds, is the result of a serendipitous accident - factors such as the bronze's high tin content and favorable soil composition. The scientists drew that conclusion after examining 464 bronze weapons and parts.