Indochinite is a type of natural glass known as a tektite, formed from terrestrial material ejected during a large meteorite impact. It is characterized by its deep black or dark brown color and deeply pitted, aerodynamic surface textures resulting from atmospheric entry and erosion. Collectors should look for specimens with distinct flow lines or sculpted shapes commonly found in alluvial sediment layers across Indochina.

Hardness

5.5-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommon

Indochinite

Also: tektite

Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque

Is this indochinite?

4-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch indochinite with a known reference. Indochinite sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Indochinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: splash-form, pitted, irregular masses.

Often confused with

Indochinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

$Obsidian showing the bright conchoidal fracture and glassy black break that identify it$

All properties

Mohs hardness: 5.5-6.5
Density: 2.3-2.5 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Amorphous
Crystal habit: Splash-form, Pitted, Irregular Masses
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Lapidary
Host rock: Sedimentary Gravel Deposits
Typical price: $5-50 thumbnail, $20-200 specimen

Where rockhounds find indochinite

Classic worldwide localities

Vietnam
Laos
Cambodia
Southern China

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary gravel deposits country, the host setting where indochinite typically forms. Field specimens usually show a splash-form, pitted, irregular masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify indochinite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is indochinite found?+

Notable localities include Vietnam; Laos; Cambodia; Southern China.

How much is indochinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 thumbnail, $20-200 specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like indochinite?+

Indochinite is most often confused with Obsidian. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What kind of rock does indochinite form in?+

Indochinite typically forms in sedimentary gravel deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is indochinite used for?+

Indochinite is used in collector, lapidary.

Find indochinite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.