igneous
Tektite (Indochinite)
Tektite (High-silica amorphous glass)
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Black, dark green, or brownish-black; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (glassy); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Black, dark green, or brownish-black
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Black, dark green, or brownish-black; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (glassy); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5
Formation & geological history
Formed from terrestrial debris ejected during a meteorite impact. The material is melted by the intense heat and pressure of the impact, catapulted into the upper atmosphere, and cooled rapidly as it falls back to Earth. Indochinites are part of the Australasian strewn field, approximately 790,000 years old.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for gemstone jewelry, metaphysical/collecting purposes, and scientific study regarding impact events.
Geological facts
Tektites contain almost no water, distinguishing them from volcanic glass like obsidian. The pitted surface, known as sculpturing, is often caused by chemical etching while buried in soil or atmospheric ablation during flight.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic pitted "dimpled" surface skin, lack of vesiculation (holes) inside, and translucent green or brown edges when held to a strong light. Commonly found in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
