A tektite is a natural glass object formed from terrestrial debris ejected during a large meteorite impact. It is recognized by its smooth or pitted surface and aerodynamic shape, both a record of the molten state in which it cooled in flight.

Hardness

5.5-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Translucent

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Tektite

Also: impact glass

Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent

Is this tektite?

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 tektite with a known reference. Tektite sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the texture
Look at a fresh break with a hand lens. Grain size: Glassy.
3
Pick out the minerals
Composition: Natural glass formed from terrestrial debris ejected during meteorite impacts. Identify the two or three most abundant grains.
4
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
5
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown, olive green, yellowish-green.

Often confused with

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

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

Often found alongside tektite

Minerals reported to co-occur with tektite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 5.5-6.5
Density: 2.3-2.6 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown Olive green Yellowish-green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Lapidary
Host rock: strewn fields associated with meteorite impact sites
Grain size: Glassy
Composition: Natural glass formed from terrestrial debris ejected during meteorite impacts

Where rockhounds find tektite

5 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Czech Republic
Vietnam
Thailand
China
Philippines

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: strewn fields associated with meteorite impact sites. If you start seeing impactite, shocked quartz in float, you are in the right ground. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Texas, Georgia. Start trip planning there.

Browse 5 U.S. spots for tektite →

Common questions

How do you identify tektite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6.5. Composition: Natural glass formed from terrestrial debris ejected during meteorite impacts. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include black, brown, olive green, yellowish-green.

Where is tektite found?+

Notable localities include Czech Republic; Vietnam; Thailand; China; Philippines.

Can I find tektite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 5 tektite rockhounding spots across 2 U.S. states. The top states are Texas, Georgia.

What rocks look like tektite?+

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

What minerals are found with tektite?+

Tektite commonly co-occurs with impactite, shocked quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tektite form in?+

Where it forms: strewn fields associated with meteorite impact sites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tektite used for?+

Tektite is used in collector, lapidary.

Find tektite on the map

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