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5.95 g INDOCHINITE TEKTITE - INDOCHINA
SKU: TEKT0025 | Location: Vault 1
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Indochinite tektites are black, strange, and I love them. They used to be common here in Asia, and I happily bought large pieces, mostly in the classic round or teardrop shapes. I never thought I would become totally obsessed with them until I noticed something super, super ultra-rare among the masses: "Freak Shapes," as I call them. These are pieces of ground material that were instantly superheated by a massive meteorite strike, mixed with celestial remains, and thrown into the upper atmosphere like blobs of liquid glass. As they rained back down, some were distorted by extreme atmospheric forces, creating crazy, one-of-a-kind shapes. I shifted through tons of material to find these rare collector items, each one a frozen moment of a prehistoric cosmic catastrophe.
The Heritage & Discovery
Historical Significance: Indochinites are part of the largest tektite strewn field on Earth—the Australasian strewn field—which covers about 10% of the planet's surface. Historically, they were a mystery; for a long time, people debated whether they were volcanic or even lunar in origin. We now know they are terrestrial silica that was flash-melted by a meteorite impact approximately 788,000 years ago. They represent a bridge between geology and astronomy, serving as a physical reminder of the violent events that have shaped our planet's history.
Discovery: The term "Indochinite" refers to tektites found across the Indochinese peninsula, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. While they have been known to local populations for centuries, they were first brought to the attention of the global scientific community in the early 20th century. The sheer volume of the Indochinite find has allowed us to study the "ablation" process—how glass melts and reforms as it travels through the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds.
Important Mines: Because tektites are part of a "strewn field," they aren't mined in traditional veins but are recovered from the surface or within shallow soil layers. Significant deposits are found throughout Thailand , particularly in the Khorat Plateau, as well as in Vietnam and Southern China . I have spent years sourcing from these regions, specifically looking for the "freak shapes"—dumbbells, elongated sticks, and twisted "splash" forms—that escaped the more common aerodynamic rounding process.
Mineralogical Profile
Description: Indochinite is a high-silica glass, sitting at a 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale . It is characterized by its deep, opaque black color, though thin edges can sometimes show a translucent tea-brown or olive-yellow hue when held to strong light. The surface is often pitted with "cupules"—tiny craters caused by gas bubbles or atmospheric etching.
Unlike volcanic obsidian, tektites are remarkably dry, containing almost no water. This lack of water, combined with the presence of "lechatelierite" (melted quartz), proves their high-temperature impact origin. When I find a "freak shape," the internal flow lines and distorted geometry tell the story of a molten blob spinning and cooling in mid-air before slamming back into the earth.
Chemical Formula: Primarily SiO 2 (approx. 70-75%) with oxides of Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, and K.
Gemstone Specifications
| Gem Variety | Indochinite Freak Shape |
| Origin | Indochina |
| Weight | 29.75 carats |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 27.3 mm x 19 mm x 17.1 mm |
| Shape | Oval |
| Treatment | No treatment |
| Certificate | On Request |
Verified history from our original eBay account.
Secure Global Logistics To ensure total legal compliance and security for high-value assets, all logistics are managed by my authorized agent in Bangkok: Asama James (Business Reg: 3100905529191).
- Origin: Items are dispatched directly from our secure facility in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Dispatch Time: We ship within 1-3 business days of cleared payment.
- Combined Shipping: We offer combined shipping for multiple acquisitions. Please request a "Combined Invoice" before completing payment to receive your shipping discount.
- Customs & Duties: International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, or VAT charged by their destination country. These are not included in the item or shipping price.
100% Collector Satisfaction Guarantee I stand behind the scientific accuracy and quality of every stone in the vault.
- Returns: We accept returns within 30 days of receipt.
- Condition: The gemstone must be returned in its original, unaltered condition.
- Resolution: If you encounter any issues with your acquisition, please message me directly. My goal is to work out a solution that ensures you are 100% satisfied with your experience.
Secure Payment. We accept all major payment methods through eBay's secure checkout system, including Credit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Personal Verification & Certification
- Identity: Every stone is personally inspected by me. I take scientific accuracy seriously; however, with hundreds of species in the vault, I remain open to professional dialogue and corrections from fellow gemologists.
- Laboratory Certification: For "Investment Grade" stones, certifications from world-renowned labs (AIGS, GRS, etc.) can be obtained upon request.
- Note: Lab processing can take up to 2 months.
- Costs: The buyer covers lab fees; a copy of the official laboratory invoice will be provided for transparency.
- Visual Accuracy: We utilize professional macro-photography to reveal the "soul" of the gem. While monitor settings may vary, we strive for 100% visual fidelity to the stone's true appearance.
Welcome to Freakingcat's Private Vault
20 Years of Expertise | 15,600+ Positive Reviews | 100% Feedback
Known to the eBay community since 2003 as Freakingcat, I have spent two decades curated a premier private collection of rare minerals. Now based in Bangkok, Thailand—the heart of the gem trade—I am offering these hand-selected specimens to you directly.
Note on our New Account: eBay policies prevent me from transferring my historical feedback to this Thai-based venture. While our score starts fresh, my legacy of trust remains.
Secure & Professional: To ensure full legal compliance and global shipping reliability, all logistics are managed by my trusted agent and partner of 20 years, Asama James (Business Reg: 3100905529191).
The account is new; the passion and expertise are 20 years deep. Welcome to the Vault.