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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
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

Where rockhounds find philippinite

Classic worldwide localities

Luzon
Bicol Region
Mindanao

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: alluvial deposits. If you start seeing clay, alluvial gravels in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: droplet, teardrop, irregular glass masses. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify philippinite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include black, dark brown.

Where is philippinite found?+

Notable localities include Luzon; Bicol Region; Mindanao.

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?+

Where it forms: 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.