Gemstone profile and identification guide
Tektite
Tektite is natural impact glass formed by meteorite impact events.
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Overview
Tektite is natural impact glass formed by meteorite impact events.
Did you know? Moldavite is a specific green tektite type from a distinct European impact event.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Tektite
Scientific classification: Mineraloid (Natural Impact Glass)
Hardness: 5.5 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Amorphous
Primary colour: Black
Secondary colour: Dark Brown
Colour family: Blacks
Surface sculpting, bubble structures, and strewn field context aid identification.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 5.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Natural silica-rich impact glass
Crystal system: Amorphous
Common locations: Southeast Asia, Australia, and other recognized tektite strewn fields
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Natural impact glass, typically dark and opaque to translucent in thin edges.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Natural impact glass
Mineral group: Mineraloid
Chemical formula: Natural silica-rich impact glass
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Crystal system: Amorphous
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 2.3-2.5
Refractive index: 1.48-1.52
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Black, dark brown, olive green variants
Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features
Geological environment: Species-dependent
Principal mining regions: Southeast Asia, Australia, and other recognized tektite strewn fields
Important commercial sources: Tektite is impact-generated natural glass from strewn field distributions
Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.
Common treatments: Treatment status varies by product; disclose when present.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.
Jewellery uses: Used in collector pieces and occasional jewelry settings.
Care recommendations: Glassy and brittle; avoid impact and thermal shock.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Tektite.
Formation
High-energy impacts melt and eject material that cools rapidly into glassy forms.
Origin
Tektite is impact-generated natural glass from strewn field distributions
Uses
Best for: Used in collector pieces and occasional jewelry settings.
Ideal uses: Collectors and impact-structure enthusiasts.
Care
Glassy and brittle; avoid impact and thermal shock.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
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Tektite FAQ
How can I identify Tektite?
Compare hardness (5.5 Mohs), crystal system (Amorphous), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Tektite appear in?
Natural impact glass, typically dark and opaque to translucent in thin edges.
Where is Tektite commonly used?
Collectors and impact-structure enthusiasts.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.