Rock Identifier
Tumbled tektite (likely Indonesian or Philippine tektite) (Natural silica-rich impact glass; chiefly SiO₂ with minor Al₂O₃, FeO, MgO, CaO, and Na₂O) — meteorite
meteorite

Tumbled tektite (likely Indonesian or Philippine tektite)

Natural silica-rich impact glass; chiefly SiO₂ with minor Al₂O₃, FeO, MgO, CaO, and Na₂O

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 5.5–6.5 Mohs; black to dark brown, resinous-to-vitreous luster, amorphous (noncrystalline), with a smooth, aerodynamic teardrop form and subtle flow texture. Exact identification is limited by the image; it could also be obsidian or slag.

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Physical properties

Hardness about 5.5–6.5 Mohs; black to dark brown, resinous-to-vitreous luster, amorphous (noncrystalline), with a smooth, aerodynamic teardrop form and subtle flow texture. Exact identification is limited by the image; it could also be obsidian or slag.

Formation & geological history

Formed when a meteorite impact melted and rapidly quenched terrestrial surface rocks, commonly 0.8–0.7 million years ago for Australasian tektites. Found as scattered strewn-field fragments in Southeast Asia and Australia.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector specimen, jewelry, and alleged metaphysical object; it has little industrial or construction use.

Geological facts

Tektites are natural glasses, not meteorites themselves, and their shapes may reflect flight through the atmosphere and later abrasion.

Field identification & locations

Look for low density, bubble-poor homogeneous glass, flow lines, and a natural sculpted surface; obsidian is usually more sharply conchoidal, while slag often contains abundant bubbles or metallic inclusions. Common sources include Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Australia.