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.
Is this tektite?
4-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry 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.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tektite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown, olive green, yellowish-green.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: rounded, teardrop, or button-shaped nodules.
Often confused with
Tektite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Amorphous
- Crystal habit
- Rounded, Teardrop, Or Button-shaped Nodules
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary
- Host rock
- Strewn Fields Associated with Meteorite Impact Sites
Where rockhounds find tektite
5 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Czech Republic
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- China
- Philippines
Field-hunting tip
Look in strewn fields associated with meteorite impact sites country, the host setting where tektite typically forms. If you start seeing impactite, shocked quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rounded, teardrop, or button-shaped nodules habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Texas, Georgia. Start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify tektite?+
Where is tektite found?+
Can I find tektite in the United States?+
What rocks look like tektite?+
What minerals are found with tektite?+
What kind of rock does tektite form in?+
What is tektite used for?+
Find tektite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
