Tektite (Indochinite)
Tektite (Natural Siliceous Glass) · Meteoritic Material / Collector Mineral / Impact Glass
Crystal System
Amorphous (No crystal structure); typically occurs as splash-form shapes, droplets, or irregular fragments
Mineral Group
Mineraloid (Natural Glass)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (approx 70-80%) with Al2O3, FeO, MgO, and CaO in varying proportions
Formation Process
Impactite: Formed by the hypervelocity impact of a meteorite on Earth, which melts terrestrial crustal rocks and ejects the material into the atmosphere where it solidifies in flight
About This Crystal
Opaque, black-colored natural glass with a pitted, dimpled, or 'corroded' surface texture. Features small cup-like indentations (sculpturing) and a vitreous to resinous luster on fresh fracture surfaces.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Jet black; Streak: White to light grey; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 2.3–2.5; Fluorescence: Usually inert; Tenacity: Brittle
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.48–1.51; Single Refraction (Isotropic); Birefringence: None; Opaque in thick sections, may show brownish-gold translucency on thin edges
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Southeast Asia (Indochina Peninsula), specifically Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, as part of the Australasian Strewn Field
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 5.5–6.5; Toughness: Low (brittle like glass); Stability: Stable but sensitive to thermal shock and physical impact
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals; store separately to prevent scratching from harder minerals like quartz
Rarity & Value
Relatively common but highly collectible; value depends on size, weight, and the complexity of the surface sculpturing. Indochinites are the most abundant tektites
Special Characteristics
Features aerodynamically shaped surfaces and lechatelierite (high-temperature silica glass) inclusions; contains virtually no water content (<0.02%)
Lore & History
Historically used as talismans or tools by ancient cultures; traditionally associated with the Crown and Third Eye chakras; believed to facilitate communication with other worlds and enhance cosmic connection