{"product_id":"australite-australian-tektite-14g","title":"Australite (Australian Tektite) (790,000 Years Old) 14g","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eHold a true marvel of natural history with this authentic Australite Tektite. Unlike standard meteorites that originate from distant asteroids, Australites are the rare and spectacular by-products of a cosmic impact right here on Earth. Approximately 790,000 years ago, a massive meteorite struck the Earth (likely in Indochina), melting the Earth's crust and launching molten glass into the upper atmosphere. This liquid glass cooled into aerodynamic shapes as it fell back down, scattering across the vast Australian outback in what is known as the Australasian strewn field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeological Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eAustralites are world-renowned among collectors and scientists due to their unique journey through Earth's atmosphere, which gave them shapes unlike any other tektites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eComposition:\u003c\/b\u003e Composed of high-silica black glass, these specimens are remarkably pure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSurface Texture \u0026amp; Form:\u003c\/b\u003e Features a beautifully sculpted, naturally pitted surface—the result of extreme atmospheric ablation as it re-entered the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds (up to 10 kilometres per second!).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGreat For Collectors:\u003c\/b\u003e Because they are only found in specific regions of Australia and are increasingly difficult to source in pristine condition, Australites are a staple for serious meteorite and mineral collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/b\u003e The unique \"button\" and aerodynamic shapes of Australites were actually studied by NASA scientists in the 1960s to help design heat shields for the Apollo spacecraft!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePackage includes:\u003c\/strong\u003e meteorite specimen, certificate of authenticity, collectors display case, In-depth information sheet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndividual Specimen:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e2.3cm x 2.3cm x 1.8cm, 14g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFloating Display Case:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7cm x 7cm x 2cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\" href=\"https:\/\/littlestarshop.com.au\/blogs\/news\/all-about-meteorites\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTo learn more about meteorites, read our in-depth blog here. \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Crystal World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51156115751158,"sku":"AUST001","price":230.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/1352\/7542\/files\/1_60affc71-7f65-4d59-a9a8-9c663cf092f3.jpg?v=1783657325","url":"https:\/\/littlestarshop.com.au\/products\/australite-australian-tektite-14g","provider":"Little Star Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}