meteorite
Tektite (Indochinite)
Tektite (Natural silica glass)
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Black, dark brown; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to dull; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Texture: Pitted or 'sculpted' surface (regmaglypts-like)
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Black, dark brown
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) to dull
Identified More meteorite →
Explore Tektite (Indochinite) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Black, dark brown; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to dull; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Texture: Pitted or 'sculpted' surface (regmaglypts-like)
Formation & geological history
Formed from terrestrial debris ejected into the atmosphere during a meteorite impact and melted into glass upon re-entry. Most Indochinites are associated with an impact roughly 780,000 years ago.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for gemstone collecting, meditation/metaphysical practices, and jewelry making.
Geological facts
The Indochinite strewn field is the largest on Earth, covering much of Southeast Asia and Australia. They are not meteorites themselves, but the result of an impact.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the characteristic pitted, dark, glassy surface and aerodynamic shapes. Found in Southeast Asia, notably Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Check for translucent edges under bright light.
More like this
Other meteorite specimens
Iron Meteorite
Siderite (Fe, Ni)
igneous
Shatter Cone
Impactite (Shatter Cone texture)
metamorphic
Iron Meteorite
Siderite (comprised primarily of Kamacite and Taenite alloys)
igneous
Pallasite Meteorite
Pallasite (Stony-iron meteorite; Fe-Ni alloy with (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 olivine)
Mineral/Extraterrestrial Rock
Chondrite Meteorite
Stony Meteorite (Chondrite)
meteorite
Slag (Anthropogenic Glass/Iron byproduct)
Ferro-silicate Slag
Anthropogenic (Man-made)