Atacamaite in box – Atacama desert, Chile
Locality: Atacama desert, Chile
Total weight (with box): 10,3g
Packaging: transparent plastic box (5,8 x 3,8 x 1,6 cm)
| Category: | Atacamaite |
|---|
Free gift
For order over 20 $
Shipping within 2 working days
Atacamaites – rare tektites from Chile
Atacamaites are rare tektites found in the Atacama Desert in Chile, known as one of the driest places on Earth. These tektites are natural glassy formations that formed during large meteorite impacts. Theories about their formation suggest that the enormous energy released during the collision melted surface rocks and ejected them into the atmosphere, where they solidified and fell back to Earth.
Origin and appearance
The impact crater potentially linked to their origin has not yet been clearly identified – a common feature of some tektites that formed far from the impact site. Atacamaites typically have a dark glassy appearance, ranging from black to deep green hues, and their surfaces are often smooth to slightly sculpted.
Rarity and collector value
Unlike the more common tektites, such as moldavites from the Czech Republic or australites, atacamaites are very rare and less known. Because of this, they have become highly sought-after collector specimens among enthusiasts of minerals and natural glasses.