Image: Impactite: Microkrystite spherules

Impactite: Microkrystite spherules (16 cm x 13 cm). Bee Gorge Member, Witenoom Formation, Munjira Gorge, Mount George, Western Australia.

Photographer:

S Humphreys

Rights:

© Australian Museum

Additional information

Glassy, molten rocks - impactites - can be produced directly by the high heat and pressure of a meteorite impact or just its shock wave, without projecting the molten material up into our atmosphere. Molten glass and rocks fractured by high pressure have been found near impact craters

Last Updated: 4 December 2009

Tags tektites, impactites, impact craters, meteorites, rocks, minerals, geology, geoscience,