Tektites are rounded, pitted bodies of silicate glass, nonvolcanic in origin, most likely derived by large hypervelocity meteorite collisions with terrestrial rocks.12 Mar 2021
Is Obsidian a tektite?
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass, generally black in color (as most known tektites) but it can also be brown, grey, or green. Ob- sidian typically exhibits layers, whereas tektites do not (with the exception of the Muong Nong-type layered tektites).
How do I know if I have tektite?
By far the easiest test is to get a thin slither or edge of the glass (1 mm thick) and shine a light through it. Note the colour. Tektites always have a olive or coffee brown with subtle greenish hue, a greenish yellow, a green, a brownish green, or greenish brown.
What is tektite made up of?
Tektites (from Ancient Greek τηκτός (tēktós) 'molten') are gravel-sized bodies composed of black, green, brown, or gray natural glass formed from terrestrial debris ejected during meteorite impacts. The term was coined by Austrian geologist Franz Eduard Suess (1867–1941), son of Eduard Suess.
What crystals are tektites?
Often included within tektites are tiny particles of lechatelierite, a very rare, fused silica glass, formed by the melting of quartz crystals by extremely high temperatures and pressures.12 Mar 2021
Are tektites valuable?
On average, tektites are not that valuable. Tektites, particularly from Indochina, are very common and have limited value. Value increases in the west: tektites can be bought much cheaper at the source. Moldavites, with a beautiful green colour, are considered as gemstones and the value is therefore enhanced.
Is tektite common?
Tektites are known on every continent except Antarctica and South America. They formed in groups at widely different times over Earth history, with none being formed in between. They occur only within definite areas, called strewn-fields, and are given distinctive names according to where they are found.
Is a tektite a meteorite?
What is a tektite? Tektites are rounded, pitted bodies of silicate glass, nonvolcanic in origin, most likely derived by large hypervelocity meteorite collisions with terrestrial rocks.12 Mar 2021