meteorite

Tektite

Natural Impact Glass

Hardness: 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Typically black or dark brown, translucent in thin sections. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline glass). Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: Around 2.3 to 2.5.

Hardness: 5
Color: Typically black or dark brown, translucent in thin sections
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified August 4, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the immense heat and pressure of a meteorite impact melting terrestrial rocks, which are then ejected into the upper atmosphere and solidify before falling back to Earth. Geological age varies by strewn field, ranging from millions to thousands of years old.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in lapidary arts for jewelry making, metaphysical practices, and as collector specimens.

Geological facts

Tektites are often mistaken for meteorites themselves, but they are actually composed of melted Earth rocks rather than extraterrestrial material. The Australasian strewn field is the largest and youngest, created about 788,000 years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its characteristic pitted, wrinkled, and fluid-like sculptural surface features, lack of a crystalline structure, and conchoidal fracture. Commonly found in specific strewn fields across the globe such as Southeast Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe and North America.