{"product_id":"australite-button-36g-kalgoorlie-western-australia-au023","title":"Australite \"Button\" 3.6g – Kalgoorlie, Western Australia - AU023","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 3.6g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.6 x 1.7 x 1 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eAustralites – a natural phenomenon of extraordinary origin\nAustralites were formed approximately 790,000 years ago during a massive meteoritic impact in what is now Southeast Asia. The 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 mid-flight, and fell to the ground — 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 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 edges of the tektite, forming the characteristic ablative rim — clear evidence of formation during flight. This is known as the ablative phenomenon. Australite buttons typically have a disc, lens, mushroom, or saucer shape, and are considered the most aesthetic and perfectly formed natural glasses in the world. Other tektites (e.g., moldavites) do not occur in this form or quality.\n2. A single worldwide location\nThese tektites are found exclusively in central and southern Australia — such shaped specimens do not exist anywhere else on Earth. Although the strewn field is vast, collector-quality buttons are very rare.\n3. Limited and depleting resource\nThe richest sites (e.g., the Nullarbor Plain) have been mostly depleted 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 collection can even lead to imprisonment.\n4. Excellent investment potential\nPrices 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 per year, and collectors often contend fiercely — many never reach Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027928551749,"sku":"AU023","price":180.98,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/21805_australite--button--3-6g---kalgoorlie--western-australia.jpg?v=1779378306","url":"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/en\/products\/australite-button-36g-kalgoorlie-western-australia-au023","provider":"Moldavite.it","version":"1.0","type":"link"}