meteorite

Tektite (Indochinite)

Tektite (High-silica impactite glass)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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 July 26, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

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.