Tektite (likely Indochinite or Tibetan)
Tektite (Impact Glass) · Meteoritic Material
Crystal System
Amorphous (Non-crystalline glass)
Mineral Group
Natural Glass / Tektite
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (approx. 75%) + Al2O3, FeO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O (variable based on impact site)
Formation Process
Terrestrial rocks melted by a meteorite impact, ejected into the atmosphere as molten droplets, and solidified during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.
About This Crystal
The specimen shows a dark, opaque, charcoal-grey to black body with a pitted, 'leathery' surface texture characteristic of aerodynamic ablation. It has a dull to vitreous luster and a rounded, button-like or splash-form shape. The surrounding matrix appears to be a sandy or limonitic sedimentary crust.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Dark black; Streak: White; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal (shell-like); Specific Gravity: 2.3–2.5; Tenacity: Brittle; Fluorescence: Generally inert under UV light.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.48–1.51 (Isotropic); Birefringence: None (Singly refractive); Dispersion: Low; Phenomenon: None, though thin edges may show olive-brown translucency.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Indochinese strewn field (Thailand, Vietnam, China) or Tibetan Plateau; formed from terrestrial impact ejecta.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness: 5.5 to 6.5; Toughness: Fairly brittle; unstable under sudden temperature changes but relatively durable for display.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals. Store separately from harder gemstones like quartz or topaz to prevent scratching.
Rarity & Value
Rarity: Common (Indochinites); Value: Low to moderate depending on weight and aerodynamic shape ($2 - $50 typical). Rare 'splash' forms or specific shapes like 'dumbbells' command higher prices.
Special Characteristics
Pitted texture known as 'sculpturing' or 'cupules'; may contain microscopic gas bubbles (vesicles) and flow lines visible under extreme magnification.
Lore & History
Historically used as amulets in ancient Asian cultures. Modern lore associates tektites with 'cosmic energy,' grounding during astral travel, and balancing the Third Eye and Crown chakras. Note: Scientific consensus identifies them as terrestrial impact melt rather than pieces of the meteorite itself.