Philippinite is a type of tektite, a natural glass formed from terrestrial debris ejected during a meteorite impact. These specimens are typically found in alluvial deposits in the Philippines, exhibiting distinct pitted and etched surfaces resulting from natural weathering processes.

Hardness

5.5-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralcommonTektite family

Philippinite

Also: Philippine tektite

Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this philippinite?

5-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 philippinite with a known reference. Philippinite sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Philippinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Philippinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: droplet, teardrop, irregular glass masses.

Often confused with

Philippinite 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 Dark Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Amorphous
Crystal habit: Droplet, Teardrop, Irregular Glass Masses
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Lapidary
Host rock: Alluvial Deposits
Typical price: $5-50 per specimen depending on size and shape

Where rockhounds find philippinite

Classic worldwide localities

Luzon
Bicol Region
Mindanao

Field-hunting tip

Look in alluvial deposits country, the host setting where philippinite typically forms. If you start seeing clay, alluvial gravels in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a droplet, teardrop, irregular glass masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify philippinite?+

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

Where is philippinite found?+

Notable localities include Luzon; Bicol Region; Mindanao.

How much is philippinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 per specimen depending on size and shape. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like philippinite?+

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

What minerals are found with philippinite?+

Philippinite commonly co-occurs with clay, alluvial gravels. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does philippinite form in?+

Philippinite typically forms in alluvial deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is philippinite used for?+

Philippinite is used in collector, lapidary.

Find philippinite on the map

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