Indochinite Tektite Natural Impact Glass Meteorite Mineral Specimen

Tektite – Indochinite Natural Impact Glass

This Indochinite Tektite is a genuine natural impact glass formed by a meteorite event and is presented as a mineralogical specimen. The photograph shows the exact piece you will receive, carefully selected for its surface texture, shape, and natural character. Full sizing details are available in the listing photos to provide accurate scale and proportions.

Your specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a genuine Indochinite Tektite example.

Classification & Composition

Tektites are natural glasses formed from terrestrial material that was melted and ejected during large meteorite impacts. Unlike crystalline minerals, tektites are amorphous natural silica-rich glass, meaning they lack a defined crystal structure.

Indochinites belong to the Australasian strewn field and are typically composed primarily of silica (SiO₂), with additional aluminium oxide, iron oxide, and trace elements derived from the original target rock. Because they are natural glasses rather than crystalline minerals, they do not possess a crystal system.

Tektites generally have a Mohs hardness of approximately 5 to 6 and exhibit a vitreous lustre with conchoidal fracture, similar to obsidian.

Appearance, Texture & Surface Features

Indochinite tektites are usually dark brown to black in colour and may appear opaque in thicker areas while showing deep translucent brown tones at thin edges when held to light.

They commonly display sculpted, aerodynamic, or pitted surfaces caused by rapid cooling and atmospheric re-entry after being ejected from the impact site. Surface textures may include flow lines or natural etching formed during high-temperature flight and subsequent weathering.

Each specimen is unique in shape and surface character, reflecting the dynamic conditions of its formation.

Geological Formation & Strewn Field

Indochinites originate from the Australasian strewn field, one of the largest known tektite distribution areas on Earth. This strewn field spans parts of Southeast Asia and surrounding regions.

They formed approximately 700,000 to 800,000 years ago when a large meteorite impact melted terrestrial rocks. Molten material was launched into the atmosphere, cooled rapidly while airborne, and solidified into glass before falling back to Earth.

Unlike meteorites, tektites are not fragments of the impacting body itself but are formed from Earth’s crustal material transformed by extreme heat and pressure.

Collecting Significance & Traditional Associations

Indochinite tektites are highly valued among collectors interested in impact geology, planetary science, and natural glass formation. Their extraterrestrial origin story and connection to major impact events make them fascinating additions to mineral and meteorite collections.

The sculpted forms and dark glassy surfaces provide strong visual contrast in display cabinets or educational geological collections.

In certain traditions, tektites have been traditionally associated with transformation and cosmic connection in symbolic spiritual contexts. These associations are spiritual in nature and reflect cultural interpretations rather than scientific properties.

Authenticity & Individual Selection

• Genuine natural Indochinite Tektite
• Type: Natural impact glass (amorphous silica-rich glass)
• Associated strewn field: Australasian
• Dark brown to black natural colour
• Carefully selected individual specimen
• You will receive the exact piece shown
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card

Each Indochinite Tektite formed during a high-energy meteorite impact event, resulting in distinctive surface textures, shapes, and internal glass characteristics unique to every individual specimen.