Meteorites are fragments of rock or metal from space that survive their journey through Earth’s atmosphere and land on the surface. Tektites, on the other hand, are glassy objects formed when a meteorite impacts Earth’s surface, melting terrestrial rock and ejecting it into the air where it cools rapidly. Together, meteorites and tektites give collectors and scientists a direct glimpse into both cosmic and terrestrial history. 

Meteorites are extraterrestrial material—remnants of asteroids, planets, and comets—while tektites are impact glasses formed here on Earth. Meteorites range from metallic masses to rocky fragments with embedded crystals, while tektites are typically glassy, lightweight, and aerodynamic in shape. Both are billions of years old and offer unique windows into the processes that shaped our planet and solar system. 

Historical Background

Human fascination with “stones from the sky” stretches back millennia:  

  • Ancient Egypt: Iron from meteorites was used for ceremonial daggers, predating the Iron Age. 
  • Indigenous Cultures: Many Native American and Inuit peoples revered meteorites as sacred. 
  • China & Greece: Meteor showers and fallen stones were recorded as omens. 
  • Tektites: In Southeast Asia, local cultures incorporated tektites into amulets believed to carry celestial power. 

Types of Meteorites

1. Stony Meteorites

  • Chondrites: Contain tiny chondrules—primitive material from the early solar system. 
  • Achondrites: Lack chondrules and often come from differentiated bodies, including fragments from the Moon or Mars. 

2. Iron Meteorites

Primarily iron and nickel, often showing the famous Widmanstätten pattern when cut. Originates from the cores of differentiated asteroids. 

3. Stony-Iron Meteorites

Rare mixtures of silicate and metal:  

  • Pallasites: Olivine crystals embedded in iron-nickel—highly prized. 
  • Mesosiderites: Complex breccias of metal and silicate formed by asteroid collisions. 

Tektites: Earth’s Impact Glass

Unlike meteorites, tektites are not directly extraterrestrial but are formed when the heat and force of a meteorite impact melts terrestrial rock and ejects it into the atmosphere. They cool and solidify as natural glass. Well-known types include:  

  • Moldavite: A rare green tektite from a meteorite impact in the Czech Republic ~15 million years ago. Highly prized for jewelry and metaphysical work. 
  • Libyan Desert Glass: Yellowish to golden glass from a meteorite impact in the Sahara, used in ancient Egyptian jewelry including Tutankhamun’s scarab amulet. 
  • Indochinite: Black or brown tektites found across Southeast Asia, often used as amulets. 
  • Australite: Aerodynamically shaped tektites found in Australia. 

Metaphysical Meanings

Meteorites and tektites are both prized for their unique energies:  

  • Meteorites: Deep grounding, transformation, and a sense of cosmic connection. Iron meteorites especially are seen as protective and strengthening. 
  • Tektites: Expansion of consciousness, spiritual evolution, and enhancing intuition. Moldavite in particular is considered a stone of rapid transformation. 

Buyer Beware: Imitations on the Market

Because of their popularity, especially in the metaphysical community, both meteorites and tektites are widely imitated. Glass fakes of Moldavite, Libyan Desert Glass, and even metallic “meteorite” chunks are common. Genuine pieces often have telltale features: Moldavite, for instance, has natural etching and bubbles, while fakes often appear overly smooth or uniformly colored. Purchasing from reputable dealers and requesting provenance or lab verification helps ensure authenticity.  

Care Tips

  • Meteorites: Keep iron meteorites dry to prevent rust; store with silica gel and handle with clean hands. 
  • Tektites: Generally stable, but avoid harsh chemicals and store away from harder stones to prevent scratches. 
  • General: Display under glass to minimize handling and environmental wear. 

Final Thoughts

Meteorites and tektites are tangible connections to cosmic events—pieces of the universe and of Earth transformed by cosmic impact. Whether you’re drawn to their scientific significance, their beauty, or their metaphysical energy, knowing the types, origins, and common imitations ensures you’re holding a genuine piece of history in your hands.