Tektites and Moldavites - Bearing, effect and application
Tektites are glassy, often small and irregularly shaped objects that are formed by meteorite impacts on the Earth's surface. They are the result of extremely high temperatures and pressures generated by a meteorite impact, which melts the rock on the Earth's surface and propels it into the air. Depending on their origin, they are further differentiated and named, e.g., moldavite (from the Moldau River) or Libyan desert glass.
Formation of tektites through meteorite impacts
The formation of tektites is directly linked to meteorite impacts on the Earth's surface. When a large meteor or asteroid enters the Earth's atmosphere at high speed and hits the surface, the impact causes extreme temperatures and pressure conditions. This leads to the sudden melting of the rock and minerals at the impact site.
The decisive factors for the formation of tektites are:
Meteorite impact: The impact of a meteorite on the Earth's surface can reach temperatures of several thousand degrees Celsius. This enormous heat melts the rock and minerals at the impact site.
Rapid cooling: After the impact, the molten material will quickly solidify due to the sudden cooling by the air, resulting in a glass-like structure. The molten material can also be thrown into the atmosphere by the impact, which in many cases causes the tektites to be scattered over long distances.
Impact craters and shock waves: The impact of a meteorite also generates shock waves and often causes compaction of the surrounding material, creating additional conditions for the formation of tektites.
More information about meteorites
Mineralogical profile of Tektite (Thailandite)
Chemical formula, mineral class: 60 - 80% SiO2 (oxide, rock glass), up to 10% Al2O3 (aluminum oxide) and other minerals, mainly silicates
Formation: Splashes of terrestrial material melted by impact of meteorites, cooled and solidified in flight
Color: depending on origin dark brown to black (Thailandite), yellowish-green (Lybian Glass), dark green (Moldavite)
Gloss: glass luster
Crystal system: Amorphous
Mohs hardness: 5 to 5.5
Cleavability, conchoidal fracture: No cleavability, conchoidal fracture
Localities, main supplying countries: China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, USA, Ivory Coast, Czech
Appearance: furrowed, rough discs or nodules
Use: Popular collectible, rarely only as cut gemstone. Popular as a stone for silver and gold jewelry and due to the exciting Entsehungsgeschichte to the introduction to mineralogy
The stone medicine uses Tektite to promote empathy, clairvoyance and the realization of being a spiritual being. The attachment to material things wirs solved, so that the future can be viewed optimistically.
In gemstone astrology, Tektite is estimatedm for Virgo-born to reduce excessive need for security and to promote spontaneity and new ideas.
Availability: low
Name: The name Tektite derives from the Greek word tektos = melted. Tektites are usually named after the area where they are found - black tektite comes from Thailand and is therefore also called "Thailandite".
Jewelry with tektite, rough stones, stringed beads and other tektite items at wholesale prices
Use of Tektite in Science and as gemstone
Tektites are primarily of geological interest, as they provide valuable information about meteorite impacts and the history of the planet. They are often studied in geology, planetology, and astrophysics to learn more about the effects of meteorites on Earth and the formation of craters.
Investigation of meteorite impacts: Tektites offer researchers insights into the formation and effects of meteorite impacts. They help us understand how Earth has changed over geological time and what consequences such impacts have had on the environment and life on Earth.
Shock metamorphism: Tektites are an example of shock metamorphism, the process by which rock is altered due to the extreme pressure and heat of an impact. Scientists study tektites to learn more about these special geological processes.
Popular collector's item, rarely found as a cut gemstone. Popular as a stone for silver and gold jewelry and, due to its exciting history, as an introduction to mineralogy.
Crystal healing uses tektite to promote empathy, clairvoyance, and the realization of being a spiritual being. Attachment to material things is released so that the future can be viewed with optimism.
In gemstone astrology, tektite is valued for those born under the sign of Virgo to reduce excessive security needs and promote spontaneity and new ideas.
Mineralogical profile of Moldavite
Chemical formula, mineral class: SiO2, oxides, rock glass
Formation: splashes of terrestrial material melted by meteorite impact in Nördlinger Ries, cooled and solidified in flight
Color: Bottle green
Gloss: Vitreous luster
Crystal system: amorphous
Mohs hardness: 5 to 5.5
Cleavability, fracture: no fissility, conchoidal fracture
Localities, main supplying countries: mainly along the Vltava (Bohemia/Czech Republic); sporadically in Lusatia and Waldviertel
Appearance: Furrowed, rough slices or nodules; very light (usually under 20g/piece)
Use: Popular collectible, now also increasingly important as a jewelry stone. Findings from the Stone Age prove that Moldavite has been worn as an amulet for thousands of years. In gemstone astrology, Moldavite supports the connection of the Pisces-born with the boundlessness and vastness of the cosmos. It is used here to stimulate empathy and mediumistic abilities.
Availability: very low
Name: The name Moldavite is derived from the finding area on the banks of the Moldau.
Jewelry with moldavite, rough stones and other moldavite items at wholesale prices
Use of Moldavite in gemstone healing
Crystal healing uses moldavite to promote clairvoyance and the realization that we are spiritual beings. It helps to dissolve (excessive) material attachments and free us from worries about money and the future. With the help of moldavite, it becomes easier to grasp the mental and spiritual qualities of things, so that material aspects fade into the background.
Moldavite strengthens empathy and brings memories (back) to the surface, enabling a deeper insight into the meaning and purpose of our existence. With the insights gained in this way, unconventional and spontaneous approaches to solving problems and mastering complex tasks can be developed. For this purpose, moldavite is often placed on the “third eye.”
In gemstone astrology, moldavite supports the connection of those born under Pisces with the boundlessness and vastness of the cosmos. It is used here to stimulate empathy and psychic abilities.