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TEKTITES
Impact Glass

In 1900, Professor Franz E. Suess of Vienna coined the term tektite from the Greek tektos meaning "melted or molten." Tektites are compositionally restricted, high silica, natural glasses distinguishably different from other, volcanically derived, natural glasses. Tektites range in size from microscopic (less than 1mm) to macroscopic weighing many kilograms. They exhibit a marvelous range of colors from water clear, gem quality, deep forest greens of moldavites to the soothing pale to dark yellow and yellow-greens of Libyan Desert Glass as well as the stygian, impenetrable black of Australites.

Tektites are often confused with obsidian. While both are natural glasses, the volcanic origin of obsidians has been undeniably established. The origin of tektites, on the other hand, is not well understood and the conflict of theories remains puzzling and unresolved. In many ways, the large chunks of natural glasses such as Libyan Desert Glass and Muong Nong tektites are even more puzzling than the more traditionally recognized aerodynamic tektite forms.

Mankind has wondered about, and cherished, these enigmatic, exotic objects for hundreds of years, perhaps much longer. In the Cro-Magnon Venus of Willendorf site ( Austria ), dated at 29,000 BC, small moldavite flake blades were found (now lost!). The earliest written records come from mid-10th century China referring to the black, shiny objects found after rainstorms as lei-gong-mo, "inkstones of the thunder-god". Australian Aborigines called Australites ooga, "staring eyes".

The origin and source of tektites remains a mystery. In a historical context, the earliest theories surmised an artificial provenance. (i.e. manmade glasses). Charles Darwin made the first scientific study of tektites (Australites) during his famous five-year voyage on HMS Beagle. He deduced a volcanic origin. Fortunately his theory of evolution was more astute than his belief that tektites were volcanic bombs! His opinion on tektite origins, however, held sway until the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, a multitude of other theories, including several extraterrestrial origin possibilities, have been advanced. Current opinions favor a terrestrial impact sending molten debris into the Earth's upper atmosphere, only to fall back down fused into glass. However, each proposed theory, while demonstrating evidence in its own favor, continues to frustratingly yield contradictory results favoring alternative origins.

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