Holding a piece of another world in your hand is a powerful feeling. Whether it’s a metallic iron meteorite or a mysterious piece of green glass, these items are the ultimate "Earth-Core" conversation pieces.
1. What is the difference between a Meteorite and a Tektite?
This is the most common question we get!
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Meteorites: These are actual "space rocks" that survived the trip through our atmosphere and hit the ground. They are usually made of stone, iron, or a mix of both.
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Tektites: These are "Earth-space hybrids." When a massive meteorite hits the Earth, the heat and pressure are so intense that they melt the local sand and soil, blasting it back into the atmosphere. It cools into glass as it falls back down. So, a tektite isn't the meteorite itself—it's the "splash" it left behind.
2. What are the most popular Tektites?
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Moldavite: A forest-green glass from the Czech Republic, formed by a strike nearly 15 million years ago. It’s famous for its intense "vibes" and unique, wrinkly texture.
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Libyan Desert Glass: A beautiful, pale yellow glass found in the Sahara. It’s nearly pure silica and was even used in King Tut’s jewelry!
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Indochinites: The classic black, "melted-looking" tektites found across Southeast Asia.
3. How can I tell if a Meteorite is real?
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The Magnet Test: Most meteorites contain a lot of iron and will attract a strong magnet.
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The Weight: Meteorites are much denser than normal Earth rocks. If it feels surprisingly heavy for its size, that’s a good sign.
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The Fusion Crust: Look for a thin, dark "eggshell" layer on the outside. This is the part that melted as it screamed through the atmosphere.
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The "Window": If you grind a tiny corner away, you should see shiny, bright metal inside, not just grey rock.
4. Are Space Rocks safe to handle?
Yes! While they traveled through space, they aren't radioactive or dangerous. In fact, most meteorites are billions of years old—older than the Earth itself. They are perfectly safe to wear as jewelry or display on your desk.
5. How do I care for my Space Rocks?
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Keep them Dry: Iron meteorites can rust if they get damp. Keep them in a dry place and occasionally wipe them with a tiny bit of mineral oil to protect the surface.
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Tektites are Glass: Remember that Moldavite and Libyan Desert Glass are natural glass. They can chip or shatter if dropped on a hard floor, so treat them with the same care you’d give a fine crystal.
🌌 Explore the Extra Terrestrial at Nanaimo Rock and Gem
We are excited to launch our dedicated "Extraterrestrial" page, featuring hand-selected meteorites and tektites. Whether you’re looking for the high-energy "pulse" of Moldavite or a heavy Iron Meteorite to anchor your collection, we have sourced authentic pieces from around the globe.