Mineraloid

Tektite

Tektite (high-silica natural glass)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Black, dark brown, or olive green; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5

Hardness: 5
Color: Black, dark brown, or olive green
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified June 4, 2026More mineraloid →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Black, dark brown, or olive green; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5

Formation & geological history

Formed from terrestrial debris ejected into the atmosphere during a high-energy meteorite impact. The material melts upon impact and cools rapidly while falling back to Earth. Known strewn fields date from 700,000 to 35 million years ago.

Uses & applications

Used primarily by collectors and in metaphysical jewelry. Historically used by ancient cultures for tools or amulets.

Geological facts

Tektites contain very little water (averaging 0.005%), which is much lower than volcanic glass like obsidian. They are often found in specific 'strewn fields' such as the Australasian, Central European (Moldavites), and North American fields.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its pitted, aerodynamically sculpted surface ('regmaglypts') and glassy, translucent appearance when held to light. Found in specific geographic strewn fields rather than random outcrops.