Tektites

While other types of meteorites were seen as they streaked through the sky and later found on the ground, history shows no record of tektites associated with the appearance of a meteor. Thus, their origin is a bit mysterious.

The prevailing theory for quite a while was that tektites were the result of a huge meteoroid or asteroid collision with the moon; according to this theory, molten debris from the collision was thrown so forcefully off the Moon that it eventually solidified and was drawn by gravity down to the Earth's surface.

More recently, evidence has emerged indicating that they're the result of meteoritic impacts right here on Earth. Scientists speculate that the sheer force of the impact created a molten mix of sand and other materials which splashed high up into the earth's atmosphere, solidified, and rained down again in the four parts of the world where tektites are found.

Check out our fascinating tektites. We also have moldavite, a milky green form of tektite that's often used as a gemstone.

Check out our books about meteorites.

Visit the pages below to learn more about tektites:

Chesapeake Bay Bolide

Tektites, Microtektites and Impact Glasses

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