• Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Weight: 5g
• Size: 2 x 1.9 x 1.3 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. The molten material was ejected thousands of kilometres to Australia, where it briefly left Earth's atmosphere. On re-entry, it underwent a rare secondary re-melting, 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 higher than other tektites, allowing them to rise just beyond the atmosphere. On re-entry, they underwent 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 have a disc, lens, mushroom, or saucer shape, and are considered the world's most aesthetically pleasing and perfectly formed natural glasses. Other tektites (e.g. Moldavites) do not occur in this shape or quality. 2. A single worldwide locality These 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 large, collector-quality buttons are very rare. 3. Limited and diminishing resource The richest sites (e.g. 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 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 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.