• Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Weight: 0.7g
• Dimensions: 1 x 0.9 x 0.6 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Australites – A natural phenomenon of extraordinary origin Australites formed about 790,000 years ago during a massive meteorite impact in what is now Southeast Asia. The molten material was ejected thousands of kilometers all the way 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 higher than other tektites, allowing them to ascend just beyond the atmosphere. Upon re-entry, they underwent 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 take the form of a disc, lens, mushroom, or saucer, and are considered the world's most aesthetic and perfectly formed natural glasses. Other tektites (e.g., Moldavites) do not occur in this shape or quality. 2. A single worldwide locality 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 collecting 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 collectible 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 each year, and collectors often fiercely contend for them — many never reach Europe.