
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
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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.
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