• Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Weight: 3.4g
• Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.5 x 1.1 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 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 that of other tektites, allowing them to rise 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 distinctive ablative rim — 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 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 — 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 Depleting Resource The richest sites (e.g., the Nullarbor Plain) were 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 rims. 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 annually, and collectors often contend fiercely — many never reach Europe.