Tektite
Tektite is impact glass, SiO₂-rich natural glass. In the hand, it rates 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs black and dark brown. Black natural glass in aerodynamic teardrop, dumbbell, or button shapes with finely pitted 'orange peel' matte skin.
The geology.
Tektite carries the formula SiO₂-rich natural glass. It belongs to the amorphous system. On paper it is impact glass.
It sits at 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous. Light behaviour is opaque to translucent edges. Specific gravity runs 2.3 to 2.5. The streak is white. It breaks with conchoidal fracture.
Black natural glass in aerodynamic teardrop, dumbbell, or button shapes with finely pitted 'orange peel' matte skin.
Expect to see it as buttons, dumbbells, teardrops or raw pitted chunks.
The origins.
Strewn fields: Southeast Asia (indochinites, 790,000 years old), Australia, Philippines, plus moldavite (Czech) and Libyan desert glass relatives.
On value, the database notes: common indochinites affordable; rare forms (australite buttons) are prized.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with acceleration and cosmic connection.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
Black natural glass in aerodynamic teardrop, dumbbell, or button shapes with finely pitted 'orange peel' matte skin.
Molded glass 'tektites' are common in tourist markets; the matte pitted skin is the authenticity signature.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Molded glass fakes | Fakes are glossy with rounded molded pits and identical twins; real tektite skin is matte micro-pitted and unique |
| Obsidian | Obsidian breaks angular with flow bands; tektites come in flight-formed rounded shapes |
| Slag | Slag is bubbly inside; tektites have sparse elongated bubbles |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about tektite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Aerodynamic shapes and orange-peel skin |
| Backlight thin edges | faint brown translucence |
| Magnet check | No magnetism |
Destructive tests belong to a gemologist, not a kitchen table. If a piece matters to you, pay for an appraisal before you take a file to it.
Care & handling.
At 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with conchoidal fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Clean it by hand, dry it properly, and keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners and hot steam.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is SiO₂-rich natural glass. Crystal system: Amorphous. Specific gravity: 2.3 to 2.5. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Conchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
Strewn fields: Southeast Asia (indochinites, 790,000 years old), Australia, Philippines, plus moldavite (Czech) and Libyan desert glass relatives.
What it gets confused with
Molded glass fakes: Fakes are glossy with rounded molded pits and identical twins; real tektite skin is matte micro-pitted and unique. Obsidian: Obsidian breaks angular with flow bands; tektites come in flight-formed rounded shapes. Slag: Slag is bubbly inside; tektites have sparse elongated bubbles.
What it is worth
Common indochinites affordable; rare forms (australite buttons) are prized.
Where buyers get caught
Molded glass 'tektites' are common in tourist markets; the matte pitted skin is the authenticity signature.
One more thing
Tektites are earth rock melted by asteroid impact, flung above the atmosphere, and aerodynamically sculpted on re-entry, terrestrial space travelers.
An education-first guide.
We do not stock tektite. Writing it up regardless is the point of a reference library.
Explore the Crystal Guide