• Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Weight: 2.8g
• Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.9 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Australites – an amazing natural phenomenon Australites were formed about 790,000 years ago during a massive meteorite impact in what is now Southeast Asia. Molten material was ejected thousands of kilometres to Australia, where it briefly left the Earth's atmosphere. On 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 that of other tektites, enabling them to rise just beyond the atmosphere. On 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 have the shape of a disc, lens, mushroom, or saucer, and are considered the most aesthetically pleasing and perfectly formed natural glasses in the world. Other tektites (e.g., moldavites) do not occur in this shape or quality. 2. A single worldwide locality These tektites are found exclusively in central and southern Australia — such shaped specimens do not exist anywhere else on Earth. While the strewn field is large, collector-grade 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 collection is regulated or prohibited in many areas. Severe penalties are imposed for illegal collection or export. Commercial-scale collection 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 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.