• Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Weight: 2.6g
• Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.2 x 1 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Australites – a natural phenomenon of extraordinary origin Australites formed about 790,000 years ago during a massive meteoritic impact in what is now Southeast Asia. Molten material was ejected thousands of kilometres to Australia, where it briefly left Earth’s atmosphere. Upon re-entry, it underwent a rare secondary re-melting, cooled in mid-air, and fell to the ground — forming aerodynamically shaped pieces known as “australite buttons.” 1. Unique shape and appearance Their initial velocity was greater than that of other tektites, allowing them to rise just beyond the atmosphere. Upon re-entry, they were subjected to a rare ablative melting process. Under aerodynamic stress, molten material built up along the edges of the tektite, forming the characteristic ablative flange — clear evidence of formation during flight. This is known as the ablative phenomenon. Australite buttons are typically disc-, lens-, mushroom- or saucer-shaped, and are considered the most aesthetic and perfectly formed natural glasses in the world. Other tektites (e.g., moldavites) do not occur in this form or quality. 2. A single worldwide location These tektites are found exclusively in Central and Southern Australia — such shaped specimens do not exist anywhere else on Earth. Although the strewnfield is large, collector-quality buttons are very rare. 3. Limited and diminishing resource The richest sites (e.g., Nullarbor Plain) have been mostly exhausted during the 20th century. Today it is increasingly difficult to find new specimens, and collecting is regulated or prohibited in many areas. Heavy fines are imposed for illegal collection or export. Commercial-scale collection may even result in imprisonment. 4. Excellent investment potential Prices for well-preserved specimens continue to rise — especially for symmetrical buttons with flanges. Like moldavites, australites have collector and investment value, but they are much rarer. Unlike moldavites, which are well-known in Europe, australites are less common, adding significant value to collections. Only a few complete buttons are sold per year, and collectors often contend fiercely — many never reach Europe.