• Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Weight: 2.4g
• Size: 1.9 x 1.3 x 0.8 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Australites - a natural phenomenon of extraordinary origin Australites were formed around 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. Upon re-entry, it underwent a rare secondary re-melting, cooled mid-flight and fell to the ground — forming aerodynamically-shaped pieces known as "australite buttons." 1. Unique shape and appearance Their initial speed was greater than 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 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 take the form 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 form 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) have been mostly depleted over the course of 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 collection can even result in 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 fiercely contend for them — many never reach Europe.