mineral

Tektite

Tektite (Amorphous silica rich glass)

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Black to dark brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline glass); Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.5

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: Black to dark brown
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified January 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Black to dark brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline glass); Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.5

Formation & geological history

Formed from terrestrial debris ejected into the atmosphere during large meteorite impacts and melted into glass before cooling as they fall back to Earth. They are generally associated with specific impact crater events ranging from 780,000 to 35 million years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for collecting, metaphysical healing items, and occasionally polished as gemstones for jewelry (especially Indochinites or Moldavites).

Geological facts

Unlike common rocks, tektites contain almost no water. They are found in specific 'strewn fields' across the orbital path of impact ejecta, such as the Indochinite field in Southeast Asia.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for pitted 'leathery' textures, a lack of crystals, and conchoidal (shell-like) fractures. They are often found in gravel deposits in Southeast Asia, Australia, and Central Europe.