Tektite & Impactite Gallery

Last update: October 23, 2011

From Greek τεκτός tektos, molten

In the early 20th century, tektites were believed to come from the Moon. In the 1960s, three possible origins were given: ejecta from lunar volcanoes, from large impacts on the Moon and from large impacts on the Earth. The first hypothesis was quickly abandoned. Harvey H. Nininger believed tektites were fragments of Moon rocks (or lunite) which had been blasted off the Moon by exploding meteorites (e.g., Nininger, 1947). Elbert A. King believed that tektites had a terrestrial origin (e.g., King, 1989). While the accepted theory is nowadays of a terrestrial origin, the lunar origin theory still exists, although highly controversial (read more about the debate of lunar versus terrestrial origin in Povenmire, 1997).

The gallery presents a selection of historic tektites and impactites held by the Tricottet Collection. Specimens are ordered geographically, with the journey starting in Australia (Australite, Darwin Glass), moving westward to Asia (Philippinite, Indochinite, Zhamanshinite), then Europe (Moldavite) and ending in America (Bediasite). All specimens carry a painted number and/or are accompanied by an original label. Most were deaccessioned from museums (Australian National University, South Australian Museum) or from renowned private collections (H. O. Beyer, W. D. Ehmann, Darryl Futrell, D. van Eek). Other specimens are from undetermined sources.

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