Research gemology and mineralogy characteristics of Tektite in North region of Da Lat City

Abstract

Tektite in northern of Da Lat city is a kind of natural glass, formed from meteorite collisions with Earth, have basic elements Si, Al, Fe, Mg. Typical shapes inclued debris, drops, oval, dumbbell, flat sphere, flat mace, short prism with external shape characterized by holes covering the surface. Typical color is black, sometimes brownish green at thin edges. The average density is about 1.45 g/cm3, a refractive index of about 1.50, with prolonged gas and the inclusion of carbonate, lechatelierite characteristic of natural glass. Tektite in Northern Dalat is proven to have a planetary origin that fits the hypothesis that they are formed by meteorite impacts. Tektite in the area can be used in jewelry.