• Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Weight: 3g
• Size: 1.4 x 1.5 x 1.1 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Australites – a natural phenomenon of extraordinary origin Australites were 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. On re-entry, it underwent rare secondary refusion, 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, allowing them to rise just beyond the atmosphere. On re-entry, they were subjected to a rare ablative melting process. Under aerodynamic stress, molten material built up 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 are typically disc-, lens-, mushroom-, or saucer-shaped, and are considered to be 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 locality These tektites are exclusively found in central and southern Australia — specimens so shaped do not exist anywhere else on Earth. Although the strewn field is large, collector-grade buttons are very rare. 3. Limited and depleting resource The richest sites (e.g. the Nullarbor Plain) were mostly exhausted over the course of the 20th century. Today it is increasingly difficult to find new specimens, and collecting is regulated or forbidden in many areas. Heavy fines are imposed for illegal collecting or export. Collecting on a commercial scale may 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.