• Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Weight: 2.4g
• Dimensions: 2.6 x 1 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. Molten material was ejected thousands of kilometers to Australia, where it briefly left the Earth's atmosphere. Upon re-entry, it underwent rare secondary remelting, 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 higher than that of 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 edges of the tektite, 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 disc, lens, mushroom, or saucer, and are considered the world's most aesthetic and perfectly formed natural glass. Other tektites (e.g., Moldavites) do not occur in this shape 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 strewn field is wide, collector-quality buttons are very rare. 3. Limited and dwindling resource The richest sites (e.g., the Nullarbor Plain) have been mostly exhausted 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 collecting or export. Commercial-scale collecting can even lead to 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 compete fiercely – many never make it to Europe.