Tektite (Indochinite)
Tektite (Natural Glass) · Meteoritic Material / Collector Mineral
Crystal System
Amorphous (Non-crystalline); Typically occurs as splash forms, buttons, dumbbells, or irregular pitted masses
Mineral Group
Natural Glass (Silica-rich glass)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (70-75%) + Al2O3, KeO, Na2O, CaO, MgO, FeO
Formation Process
Terrestrial Impact: Formed from terrestrial debris that was melted and ejected into the upper atmosphere by a massive meteorite impact, then cooled rapidly during re-entry.
About This Crystal
Opaque, dark black to dark brownish-black glass. Features a characteristic pitted, 'dimpled' or 'leathery' surface texture caused by atmospheric ablation and terrestrial erosion. Luster is vitreous to sub-vitreous on fresh surfaces.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Black; Streak: White to grayish; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 2.30–2.52; Tenacity: Brittle; Fluorescence: Generally inert.
Optical Properties
Isotropic (Singly refractive); Refractive Index: 1.48–1.51; No pleochroism or birefringence due to amorphous structure.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Indochinese Strewn Field (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Southern China, Australia)
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5; Toughness: Low (brittle like glass); Stability: Sensitive to physical impact and rapid temperature changes.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning. Store separately from harder stones like quartz to prevent scratching.
Rarity & Value
Relatively common in the Indochinite strewn field; Value is primarily determined by shape integrity (buttons/flanged are rarest) and size. Generally affordable ($5 - $100 depending on size).
Special Characteristics
Atmospheric pitting (sculpting), aerodynamic splash forms, contains almost no water (<0.02%), distinguish from obsidian by lack of microlites and lower water content.
Lore & History
Historically used in amulets in Southeast Asia. Culturally associated with 'fire from the sky.' In metaphysical traditions, it is believed to help with extraterrestrial communication and grounding the physical body with cosmic energy.