indochinite tektites
Indochinite tektites are natural glass objects formed from terrestrial debris ejected into the Earth's atmosphere by a meteorite impact approximately 700,000 years ago. These tektites, which are part of the Australasian strewn field, are predominantly found across Southeast Asia, from Vietnam and Laos to Indonesia, Thailand, and even stretching to Australia and parts of China. Characterized by their dark, often black or very dark green color, indochinites come in various shapes, including teardrops, spheres, and dumbbells, typically known as splash-form tektites. Their unique formation process involves the melting, vaporization, and subsequent cooling of earth materials in flight, creating a glass with a texture and composition distinct from terrestrial volcanic glasses. Indochinites are not only scientifically significant for studying impact events and Earth's geological history but are also sought after by collectors for their extraterrestrial origin and aesthetic appeal.