Vietnamite – 16,4g – Huyen Song Hinh – Phu Yen, Vietnam

Vietnamite is one of the rarer representatives of the Indochinese tektites, which originate from the mainland of Southeast Asia. It is a type of natural glass that was formed by the impact of a large meteorite, similar to the better-known wavines or Libyan desert glass.

Origin

Vietnamites were formed as a result of extreme temperature and pressure during an impact event, when rocks on the Earth's surface melt and then solidify rapidly. The age of the Vietnamites is estimated to be approximately 700,000 years. Although the exact crater responsible for this impact has not yet been definitively found, scientists assume it is located somewhere in Southeast Asia, possibly in the Cambodia or Vietnam region. There are suggestions that it could be the Tonlé Sap Lake in Cambodia, but this has not yet been confirmed.

Characteristics

Vietnamite is composed mainly of silica (SiO₂), similar to other tektites. It is typically dark brown to black, sometimes with a glassy lustre, opaque. Vietnamite often has a smooth surface, sometimes with erosion marks, which is typical of tektites that have been weathered and affected by high velocity and temperature.

Collecting value

Unlike tektites found in other parts of Indochina, not as many specimens have been discovered in Vietnam, which increases their rarity. This is why Vietnamese tektites are highly sought after by collectors who try to obtain specimens from as many localities as possible. Each Vietnamese specimen is thus a valuable addition to any tektite collection.