The chemical formula of tektites varies but mostly silica glass with impurities of magnesium, iron and other elements. Tektites are actually mineraloid and they are most commonly used as gemstone as well as an interesting addition to ones collection specimens. Tektites are still poorly understood until today. When viewed with the aid of petrographic polarizing light microscope used in the field of optical mineralogy, they are irregularly and at times intricately-shaped nodulaes and blobs of a glassy substance. They are usually found without any crystal structure and they are very similar to obsidian mineral, only they are not associated with volcanic processes. The chemistry is unique but somewhat unexplained.
Some tektites are actually known as Moldavite. These tektites are especially prized and their clarity and unique green color is very fascinating when viewed with the aid of polarized microscopes used in the field of optical mineralogy. Moldavite is usually found in a splash field centered around Moldavia in former Czechoslovakia. These are believed to have come from a meteorite crater in Germany. Moldavites are sometimes cut as gemstones or put into jewelry as natural uncut pieces to show off their often eerie and beautifully intricate shapes. Many tektites are actually found having teardrop shape that could easily form as blobs of liquefied quartz cooled in air while falling to the Earth. This is usually more fascinating when viewed with the aid of polarized microscopes used in the field of optical mineralogy.
The leading theory concerning their origin in the field of optical mineralogy is the Meteorite Impact Theory. This theory is postulated that many odd events occur during a meteor’s impact because of the tremendous heat and pressure produced. Tektites may be fused glass that formed during an impact of a meteor with layers of rock on the Earth’s surface. Tektites usually occur in broad bands in specific localities in different parts of the world. These bands are known to produce characteristically similar tektites and they are sometimes loosely associated with meteorite craters or suspected craters. Many actually believed that this field represents splash material from an impact. This idea is also gaining acceptance from many scientists. The odd and diverse chemistry of the tektites could be a result of unique meteorites hitting unique rock types with the combinations producing particular effects.
Tektite is usually found colored black, green or colorless that can be seen more clearly visible when viewed with the aid of petrographic polarizing microscope used in optical mineralogy. It is also usually found showing vitreous to dull luster when specimen is viewed in reflected light of polarizing microscope used in optical mineralogy. Gemmy tektite is usually found transparent to translucent, but most are nearly opaque in appearance. Mineral Tektite has no crystal structure because it is considered amorphous in optical mineralogy. Tektite has absent cleavage even when it is closely evaluated with the aid of polarizing microscope used in optical mineralogy. Tektites are usually found as small nodules or splinters that vary from simple rounded shapes to very intricate natural carvings. Many tektite mineral samples have smooth, scarred, or pitted surfaces that can be found more clearly visible when viewed with the aid of petrographic polarizing microscope used in optical mineralogy.
Tektites are also most commonly found leaving a white streak when specimen sample is rubbed on a white porcelain streak plate. Tektite is also usually found showing conchoidal fracture when specimen is evaluated with the aid of polarized microscopes for mineralogists. The hardness measure of the mineral Tektite when sample is evaluated using the Mohs scale method is usually ranging from 5 to 6. As mentioned, Tektites can sometimes be directly associated with meteorite impact craters. The specific gravity measure of mineral Tektite is approximately 2.5 grams per cubic centimeters, which is somewhat light. The best field indicators of mineral Tektite usually include its odd shape, color, lack of cleavage or crystal faces and localities. Tektite notably occurs at several localities including Moldavia region of Eastern Europe, Thailand and some areas in Southeast Asia as well as Australia and Georgia, USA.
