meteorite

Tektite

Natural impact glass

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

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

Identified August 1, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the immense heat and pressure of a meteorite impact melting terrestrial silicate rocks, which were then ejected into the atmosphere and cooled rapidly before falling back to Earth.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, metaphysical and healing practices, and as collector specimens.

Geological facts

Tektites are natural glass objects, not meteorites themselves, but are closely associated with impact events. Their peculiar sculpted surfaces (regmaglypts and flow lines) are created by aerodynamic ablation during their atmospheric re-entry.

Field identification & locations

Found globally in specific strewn fields (such as the Australasian, North American, and Central European strewn fields). Identified by their dark color, glassy texture, conchoidal fracture, and characteristic aerodynamic pitting.