Impactite Glass Value Guide

Impactite Glass is a rare natural material forged under the extreme heat and pressure of a meteorite collision, which melts terrestrial rock into a glassy state. These specimens are highly collectible as they represent a physical record of prehistoric cosmic events that have shaped Earth's geological history.

What affects the value of Impactite Glass?

• The size and weight of the fragment, with larger specimens commanding prices between $250 and $300.
• The clarity and color of the glass, with unique inclusions or transparency increasing desirability.
• The specific origin or impact site, as some historical craters are more sought after by collectors.
• The overall structural integrity and lack of modern weathering or erosion.

How to Identify Impactite Glass?

• Look for a dark, vitreous luster characteristic of rapidly cooled silicate glass.
• Examine the specimen for aerodynamic shapes or flow lines caused by molten ejection.
• Check for the presence of lechatelierite, a high-temperature silica glass rarely found in non-impact environments.
• Verify the provenance to a known impact site, as these fragments are found globally near crater locations.

History of Impactite Glass

Impactite glass is a fascinating natural phenomenon, created when the immense heat and pressure of a meteorite impact melts and then rapidly cools terrestrial rock. These glassy fragments offer a tangible link to ancient cosmic events that shaped our planet's history, preserving a record of the forces unleashed by extraterrestrial collisions.