igneous

Tektite (Indochinite)

Tektite (High-silica natural glass, primarily SiO2 with Al2O3)

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Black (appears translucent brown on thin edges); Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.3-2.5

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Black (appears translucent brown on thin edges)
Luster: Vitreous/Glassy

Identified January 12, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the immense heat and pressure of a hypervelocity meteorite impact on Earth, which melts terrestrial crust and ejects the molten debris into the atmosphere where it cools rapidly into glass. These specific Indochinites are part of the Australasian strewn field, formed approximately 790,000 years ago.

Uses & applications

Mostly used for jewelry (faceted or as specimens), metaphysical/collecting value, and scientific study of impact events.

Geological facts

Unlike meteorites, which are extraterrestrial, tektites are terrestrial material 'splashed' into space and back. They are among the driest known minerals, containing almost zero water. This specific specimen displays 'pitting' or 'sculpting' caused by atmospheric ablation.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its pitted, flow-textured surface and conchoidal (glass-like) fractures. Commonly found across Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia). Collectors look for the aerodynamic shapes and the characteristic pitted 'skin' (leathery texture) that distinguishes it from volcanic glass like obsidian.

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Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

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Dark Igneous Rock (Likely Basalt or Diabase)

Basalt (extrusive igneous rock) or Diabase (intrusive igneous rock - also known as Dolerite), largely composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (augite), and sometimes olivine and amphibole. Exact mineralogy would require thin section analysis.

Igneous

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

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Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

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Blue Apatite

Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

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Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral