Tektite
Indochinite Tektite · Meteoritic Material / Collector Mineral
Crystal System
Amorphous (Non-crystalline glass)
Mineral Group
Oxides / Natural Glass
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (~75%) + Al2O3, FeO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O
Formation Process
Meteoritic impact; formed when a massive meteorite impact melts terrestrial silica-rich soil and ejects it into the atmosphere, where it cools rapidly into glass while falling back to Earth.
About This Crystal
A dark, opaque, glass-like specimen with a pitted or 'sculpted' surface. It exhibits a charcoal-black to dark brownish-black color and a vitreous to sub-vitreous luster. The texture is characterized by aerodynamic pitting and grooves (regmaglypts) caused by atmospheric entry.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Black; Streak: White or colorless; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal (shell-like); Specific Gravity: 2.40 - 2.50; Fluorescence: None; Tenacity: Brittle.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.48 - 1.51; Birefringence: None (Isotropic); Pleochroism: None; Transparency: Opaque in hand specimen, but can be translucent olive-brown on ultra-thin edges.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Southeast Asia (Indochinese strewn field), particularly Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia; found in terrestrial sediment layers.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5; Toughness: Low (brittle like glass); Stability: Generally stable but sensitive to sudden thermal shock and physical impact.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners which may cause cracking. Store separately from harder gemstones like quartz or topaz to prevent scratching.
Rarity & Value
Relatively common within specific strewn fields; value is determined by size, aerodynamics (shape), and surface texture. Large, intact aerodynamic shapes (teardrops, buttons) command higher prices.
Special Characteristics
Aerodynamic ablation features; contain tiny gas bubbles (lechatelierite) and have extremely low water content compared to volcanic glass (obsidian).
Lore & History
Historically used as talismans in Southeast Asian cultures. In metaphysical traditions, it is believed to enhance communication with other worlds, facilitate astral travel, and strengthen the human energy field due to its extraterrestrial origin.