meteorite

Tektite

Natural impact glass

Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark brown to black or bottle green; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline glass); Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.3 to 2.5

Hardness: 5
Color: Dark brown to black or bottle green
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

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 rocks, which were then ejected into the atmosphere and cooled rapidly as they fell back to Earth.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in lapidary arts, jewelry making, and as sought-after specimens for mineral and meteorite collectors.

Geological facts

Tektites are natural glass objects composed of silicate materials. They are often associated with specific strewn fields around the globe, such as the Australasian or Indochinites strewn field.

Field identification & locations

Identified by their dark color, glassy appearance, pitted or sculptured surface textures (due to aerodynamic ablation during atmospheric entry), and conchoidal fracture. Commonly found in regions corresponding to major historical impact craters.