TEKTITE-COLLECTOR PC

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

TEKTITE FLANGE

PERFECT SHAPE

THE COME IN VARIOUS SHAPES AND SIZES SOME BEING VERY RARE

the original body (a sphere in this case) is interpreted to be solid or very close to solidification by re-entry stage. As the sphere re-enters it ablates and spalls. Spalling results in characteristic core shapes. Once ablation of material has crossed the equatorial margin of the specimen, a flange may begin to form. This leads to formation of ‘button’-type tektites. Further spalling may result in loss of the flange and creation of a lens. In larger specimens (>6g), which are less thermodynamically stable, the loss of the flange and creation of a core is inevitable. The flange may reform with further spalling resulting in conical core morphologies. If the button continues to ablate then end-members such as plates or bowls may form. Ablation, spalling and flange formation combine to produce unique tektite forms

FOR FUTHER READING

Cleverly, W. H. 1986. Australites from Hampton Hill Station, Western Australia. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, Vol. 68, Part 4, p. 81-93.

McNamara, K. and Bevan, A. 1985 (2nd (revised) edition, 1991). Tektites. Western Australian Museum. pp. 28. (Currently in print!)