Uncertain
| Introduction | My avatar photo is a naturally occurring glass object known as an Australite Button-Tektite. ( Millions of... ) Years ago, the violence of a massive asteroid impact melted terrestrial sands and rock to white hot liquid, splashed it well above the atmosphere, where it's own surface tension shaped it into a ball as it cooled and solidified. As it fell back to earth, the friction of re-entry eroded the forward face, and washed a ring of molten glass backward to form the circular collar. Millions of these are buried in the sands of the Australian deserts. Many fragmented upon landing, but most reveal their history in their shape, their flow-lines, and their trace elements. Many other families of tektites were created in many other cosmic collisions, but under sufficiently differing conditions that none share the 'button' shape of the Australite. Trying to date an Australite brings one face to face with numerous enigmas and conundrums. So, no, you can't date 'em, but as Pet Rocks go, they are the very best! |
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