• Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Weight: 0.4g
• Size: 0.8 x 0.8 x 0.4 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Australites – a unique natural phenomenon Australites formed approximately 790,000 years ago during a massive meteorite impact in what is now Southeast Asia. The 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 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 other tektites, allowing them to ascend just beyond the atmosphere. Upon re-entry, they were subjected to a rare ablative melting process. Under aerodynamic stress, molten material accumulated along the tektite's edges, forming the characteristic ablative flange — clear evidence of formation during flight. This is known as the ablative phenomenon. Australite buttons typically have the shape of a disk, lens, mushroom or saucer, and are considered the most aesthetic and perfectly formed natural glass in the world. Other tektites (e.g., moldavites) do not occur in this form or quality. 2. A single worldwide location These tektites are exclusively found in Central and Southern Australia — such shaped specimens do not exist anywhere else on Earth. Although the strewn field is large, collector-quality buttons are very rare. 3. Limited and dwindling resource The richest sites (e.g., the Nullarbor Plain) were mostly depleted during the 20th century. Today, finding new specimens is increasingly difficult, and collecting is regulated or prohibited in many areas. Heavy fines are imposed for illegal collection or export. Commercial-scale collection can 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 fiercely contend — many never reach Europe.