meteorite
Tektite (Indochinite)
Tektite (Natural silica glass)
Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Dark brown to jet black; Luster: Vitreous to sub-metallic; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline glass); Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.3-2.5
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Dark brown to jet black
- Luster
- Vitreous to sub-metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Dark brown to jet black; Luster: Vitreous to sub-metallic; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline glass); Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.3-2.5
Formation & geological history
Formed approximately 790,000 years ago during a large meteorite impact event in Southeast Asia (Australasian tektite strewnfield). The heat and pressure melted terrestrial surface rocks and ejected liquid silica glass high into the atmosphere, which cooled rapidly during re-entry.
Uses & applications
Popular among meteorite and mineral collectors, used in wire-wrapped jewelry, bead carvings, and appreciated for metaphysical properties.
Geological facts
Tektites are natural glass objects formed by meteorite impacts, not meteorites themselves. Indochinites are part of the largest tektite strewnfield on Earth, covering parts of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its pitted, sculpted surface features (skulptur), jet black color, and glass-like shell-like (conchoidal) fracture. Commonly found across Southeast Asia. Light usually cannot pass through except at very thin translucent edges showing a yellowish-brown tint.
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