meteorite

Tektite

Impactite (Natural Silicate Glass)

Hardness: 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Black, dark brown, or dark green. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline glass). Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.3 - 2.5.

Hardness: 5
Color: Black, dark brown, or dark green
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified July 29, 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 was then splashed into the atmosphere and cooled rapidly before falling back to Earth.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry, metaphysical healing, and as coveted specimens for rock, mineral, and meteorite collectors.

Geological facts

Tektites are composed primarily of silica (SiO2) with varying amounts of aluminum, iron, magnesium, and calcium. Unlike meteorites from space, tektites are actually made of Earth's own material ejected during major asteroid or comet impacts.

Field identification & locations

Identified by their characteristic pitted, sculpted surfaces (regmaglypts), deep rolling textures, and dark, glass-like appearance when held to the light. Major strewn fields include Southeast Asia (Australasian tektites), Central Europe (Moldavites), and North America.