mineraloid

Tektite (Indochinite)

Tektite (SiO2 + Al2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Black, dark green, or brownish; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (glassy); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5.

Hardness: 5
Color: Black, dark green, or brownish
Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous

Identified June 26, 2026More mineraloid →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Black, dark green, or brownish; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (glassy); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5.

Formation & geological history

Formed during high-energy meteorite impacts where terrestrial silica-rich soil is melted and ejected into the upper atmosphere, cooling into glass before falling back to Earth. The Indochinite strewn field is approximately 780,000 years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily collected as geological specimens, used in jewelry (faceting or wire wrapping), and occasionally used in metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

Unlike meteorites, tektites are terrestrial in origin but created by extraterrestrial events. They contain very little water (0.005%) compared to volcanic glass like obsidian.

Field identification & locations

Identified by their characteristic pitted, aerodynamically sculpted surface (regmaglypts), lack of crystals, and translucency when held to a strong light. Commonly found in the Indo-Australian strewn field.