Tektites (from Ancient Greek τηκτός (tēktós) 'molten') are gravel -sized bodies composed of black, green, brown or grey natural glass formed from terrestrial debris ejected during meteorite impacts.

tektite, any of a class of small, natural glassy objects that are found only in certain areas of Earth’s surface. The term is derived from the Greek word tēktos, meaning “melted,” or “molten.”

Tektites are rounded, pitted bodies of silicate glass, nonvolcanic in origin, most likely derived by large hypervelocity meteorite collisions with terrestrial rocks.

Tektite is a unique type of natural glass formed during ancient meteorite strikes on Earth. It’s a high silica based stone that reminds one of small gravel pebbles, which can vary in size of a few …

3 days ago · Tektite formation results from the melting and ejection of surface rock caused by a hypervelocity meteorite impact. When a large object collides with Earth, kinetic energy converts …

Aug 19, 2023 · Tektites are natural glass objects that form when a high-velocity impact melts the target rock or soil, creating a molten material that is then ejected into the atmosphere. As this molten …

Nov 25, 2025 · In 1900, F.E. Suess coined the term 'tektite' from the Greek word tektos, meaning 'molten'. He was convinced that tektites were of an extraterrestrial origin, and he believed the shapes …

Jul 12, 2025 · What is a tektite? Picture a meteorite screaming through Earth’s upper atmosphere, slamming into the planet with such force that terrestrial rock is instantly liquefied and flung hundreds …

May 2, 2022 · Tektite is a unique and beautiful natural glass believed to have cosmic origins! Tektite gemstones resemble shiny, glass-like pebbles and are typically black but can also appear dark …

Put simply, tektites are a form of natural glass that was formed via high velocity and extreme heat. The easiest way to satisfy these conditions is through extraterrestrial impact. They are often quite small, …