Description
Tektites are fragments of glass of terrestrial origin, named after the Greek word tektos, meaning molten. For a long time, it was unclear how tektites form. Most scientists now believe that tektites are solidified fragments of terrestrial rocks that melt after a meteorite impact, are ejected, and then fall back to Earth. During the fall, the fragments solidify into a glassy mass. The surface of a tektite often exhibits characteristic features that formed during the impact. Because tektites form from terrestrial rocks, they are rich in silica. Archaeological discoveries indicate that tektites have been known since prehistoric times. They were used as a raw material for making tools, and later for amulets. The oldest finds date back to the Stone Age (Paleolithic). The most prized tektites come from Korath in Thailand.
