Tektite (Indochinite)
Tektite (unnamed amorphous silica glass) · Meteoritic Material / Collector Mineral
Crystal System
Amorphous (Non-crystalline glass); habit is typically splash-form (tears, buttons, rods) or layered (Muong Nong-type)
Mineral Group
Natural Glass (Impactite)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (70-80%) + Al2O3, FeO, MgO, CaO, K2O (varies by impact site)
Formation Process
Impact-melt: Formed from terrestrial silica-rich soil/rock ejected into the upper atmosphere by a massive meteorite impact, melting and cooling rapidly during descent.
About This Crystal
Opaque to very dark translucent black; dull to vitreous luster. Surface frequently exhibits 'pitting' or flow-like textures caused by atmospheric ablation.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Pitch black or dark olive-drab; Streak: White; Cleatvage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 2.3–2.5; Fluorescence: None.
Optical Properties
Isotropic (singly refractive) due to amorphous nature; Refractive Index: 1.48–1.51; non-pleochroic; typically opaque except in very thin slivers.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Indochinese strewn field (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China) and Australia
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 5.5–6.5; Brittle; Fair durability, but susceptible to scratching from quartz and harder minerals.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners which may agitate internal stress fractures; store separately from harder gems.
Rarity & Value
Relatively Common (in Indochinite variety); Value is determined by weight, shape symmetry (aerodynamic forms), and surface texture; generally inexpensive.
Special Characteristics
Contains lechatelierite (high-temperate silica glass) and gas bubbles; characterized by aerodynamic ablation textures from high-speed atmospheric re-entry.
Lore & History
Historically used as amulets in various cultures; traditionally associated with the Third Eye and Crown chakras. Lore suggests they facilitate communication with other worlds and spiritual growth due to their extraterrestrial origin.