Rock Identifier
Tektite (Indochinite) (Tektite (High-silica impactite glass)) — meteorite
meteorite

Tektite (Indochinite)

Tektite (High-silica impactite glass)

Hardness: 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark brown to jet black; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (natural glass); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5.

Hardness
5
Color
Dark brown to jet black
Luster
Vitreous to sub-vitreous
Identified More meteorite
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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark brown to jet black; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (natural glass); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5.

Formation & geological history

Formed roughly 790,000 years ago during a large meteorite impact event in Southeast Asia. Earthly sediment was melted, ejected into the upper atmosphere, and quenched into natural glass as it fell back down.

Uses & applications

Popular among meteorite and mineral collectors, used in wire-wrapped jewelry, and highly sought after by metaphysical crystal enthusiasts.

Geological facts

Tektites are not meteorites themselves, but rather terrestrial glass formed from terrestrial rocks melted by an extraterrestrial impact. The Indochinite strewn field covers parts of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and China.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its pitted, pitted-and-grooved surface texture (regmaglypts), dark black opacity, light weight, and conchoidal glassy fracture. Found primarily across Southeast Asia.