Where is Tektite found?

Tektite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.

Where to find Tektite

Collecting tips

1. Research Strewn Fields. Focus your search on known tektite strewn fields. These are vast areas, but specific localities within them are more productive.
2. Look in Sedimentary Deposits. Tektites are typically found in unconsolidated sediments like river gravels, alluvial plains, and weathered soils, rather than in bedrock.
3. Examine Surface Features. Look for characteristic aerodynamic shapes, surface sculpturing, pitting, and flow lines. These features distinguish tektites from ordinary terrestrial rocks or volcanic glass.
4. Check for Translucency. While often appearing opaque black, thin edges or small fragments of tektites can be translucent, revealing dark brown, green, or yellowish-green hues when held up to a strong light.
5. Test for Magnetism (Rare). Some tektites may contain microscopic metallic spherules (nickel-iron) from the impactor, which can cause a very weak magnetic attraction, though this is not a primary identification method.

Quick Check

Color:

Black, dark brown, dark green

Luster:

Vitreous to dull

Streak:

None (glass)

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