{"product_id":"australite-button-22g-kalgoorlie-western-australia-au119","title":"\"Button\" Australite 2.2g – Kalgoorlie, Western Australia - AU119","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 2.2g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 1.9 x 1.1 x 1 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: reflection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eAustralites – a natural phenomenon of extraordinary origin\nAustralites 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 left Earth’s atmosphere. Upon re-entry, it underwent a rare secondary re-melting, cooled mid-air and fell to Earth — forming aerodynamically-shaped pieces known as “australite buttons.”\n1. Unique shape and appearance\nTheir initial velocity was higher than that of other tektites, allowing them to rise just beyond the atmosphere. Upon re-entry, they were subjected to a rare ablative melting process. Under aerodynamic stress, molten material collected along the tektite edges, forming the characteristic ablative rim — clear evidence of formation during flight. This is known as the ablative phenomenon. Australite buttons are typically in the shape of a disk, lens, mushroom or saucer, and are considered the world's most aesthetic and perfectly formed natural glasses. Other tektites (e.g. moldavites) do not occur in this shape or quality.\n2. A single worldwide location\nThese tektites are found exclusively in Central and Southern Australia — specimens shaped like this do not exist anywhere else on Earth. Although the strewn field is wide, collector-quality buttons are very rare.\n3. Limited and diminishing resource\nThe richest sites (e.g. Nullarbor Plain) have been mostly depleted throughout the 20th century. Today, it is increasingly difficult to find new specimens, and collection is regulated or prohibited in many areas. Heavy fines apply for illegal collection or export. Commercial-scale collection can even result in imprisonment.\n4. Excellent investment potential\nPrices for well-preserved specimens continue to increase — especially for symmetrical buttons with rims. 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 reach Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027924390213,"sku":"AU119","price":807.96,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/53981_photoroom-000-20250808-124949.jpg?v=1779378290","url":"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/en\/products\/australite-button-22g-kalgoorlie-western-australia-au119","provider":"Moldavite.it","version":"1.0","type":"link"}