mineraloid
Tektite (Indochinite)
Tektite (High-silica natural glass)
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Black, dark green, or brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Black, dark green, or brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Black, dark green, or brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5
Formation & geological history
Formed by the rapid cooling of terrestrial material ejected into the atmosphere during a high-energy meteorite impact roughly 790,000 years ago (for the Australasian strewn field).
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry (faceted or as pendants), metaphysical collecting, and scientific study of impact events.
Geological facts
The name comes from the Greek word 'tektos', meaning molten. Despite appearing black, thin edges are often translucent and yellowish-green or brown when held to light.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the characteristic pitted, 'regmaglypt-like' surface texture and glassy interior. Common in the Australasian strewn field (Southeast Asia, Australia). Unlike obsidian, they contain very little water.
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