Vietnamite 11,8g – Huyen Song Hinh – Phu Yen, Vietnam
Locality: Huyen Song Hinh – Phu Yen, Vietnam
Weight: 11,8g
Dimensions: 3,7 x 1,5 x 1,5 cm
| Category: | Vietnamite |
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Vietnamite – a rare tektite from Southeast Asia
Vietnamite belongs to the rarer representatives of Indochinese tektites, originating from the mainland part of Southeast Asia. It is a type of natural glass formed by a large meteorite impact – similar to moldavites or Libyan Desert Glass.
Formation
Vietnamites were formed by a meteorite impact that caused extreme heat and pressure. As a result, Earth’s surface rocks melted and, after rapid cooling, solidified into natural glass. Their age is estimated at approximately 700,000 years. The exact crater has not yet been definitively identified, but scientists assume it may be located in Cambodia or Vietnam – possibly near Tonlé Sap Lake.
Characteristics
Vietnamite is composed mainly of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). It usually has a dark brown to black color with a glossy surface and is generally opaque. The surface is often smooth or shows erosion marks typical of tektites that passed through the atmosphere at high velocity and temperature.
Collectible value
Unlike other Indochinese tektites, Vietnamites occur very rarely, making them highly sought-after collector’s specimens. Each piece represents an authentic fragment of cosmic history and a unique natural phenomenon formed during one of the most powerful events in Earth’s history.