• Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Weight: 2.9g
• Size: 1.6 x 1.5 x 1 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Australites – a natural phenomenon of extraordinary origin Australites formed approximately 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 exited the Earth’s atmosphere. Upon re-entry, it underwent a rare secondary refusion, cooled mid-air and fell to the ground — forming aerodynamically shaped pieces known as “australite buttons.” 1. Unique Shape & Appearance Their initial velocity was higher 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 rim — clear evidence of formation during flight. This is known as an ablative phenomenon. Australite buttons typically take the shape of a disc, lens, mushroom, or saucer, and are considered the most aesthetic 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 Location These tektites are found exclusively in central and southern Australia — no other place on Earth has such shaped specimens. Although the strewn field is large, collector-grade buttons are very rare. 3. Limited & Dwindling Resource The richest sites (e.g., Nullarbor Plain) were mostly exhausted during the 20th century. Today, it is increasingly difficult to find new specimens, and collection 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 symmetric buttons with rims. 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.