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Difference Between Tektites & Meteorites

Tektites originate on Earth, while meteorites come from outer space. The prevailing theory among scientists proposes tektites result as a by-product of meteor impacts on the Earth's surface. At one time researchers thought they might be from meteorite impacts on the moon, but their mineral composition resembles Earth rocks and not moon rocks. Tektite deposits or strewn fields have been discovered on all of the continents with the exception of Antarctica.

The Prevailing Theory on Tektite Formation
- Most likely tektites form when a meteor hits the Earth.
  
  The name tektite derives from the Greek word tektos, which means melted. They are formed by the rapid heating and cooling of quartz stones and soils. Data suggests that the stones and soil were shot into space by the impact of a large meteor, and then dropped back to the Earth's surface. So far all of the tektite strewn fields have been associated with a meteor impact site except the one in Australia.
Tektite versus Obsidian
- Initially, researchers thought tektites looked like small pieces of obsidian or lava rock.
  
  Initially, researchers thought tektites could be from volcanic eruptions as they looked like obsidian, black glass. However, researchers discovered not all tektite looks black, they also appear green and yellow. Researchers thought tektite surface texture resulted from sand and water erosion, but later found it resulted from evaporation at high temperatures. An additional difference is that tektites contain less water than obsidian. They also contain a large percentage of silicon; according to the University of Texas, the silicon composition ranges from 68 to 98 percent. It also contains the compound lechatelierite. Obsidian contains about 80 percent silicon, but it does not contain lechatelierite.
Tektite Appearance
- Walnut-sized tektites are the most common size.
  
  Tektites look like small dark stones. They may be shaped like a flanged button, a dumbbell or solidified drop of water. They can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. According to the University of Texas, some tektites in Asia have been as large as 28 pounds.
Where to Find Tektites
- So far tektites have not been found in Antarctica.
  
  Tektite fields are found around the world including the United States. Deposits occur in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia and the Philippines. They are found in the Czech Republic, along the Ivory Coast and in Libya. In the United States, they can be found in Texas, Georgia and Martha's Vineyard. The origin of the tektites is believed to be the Chesapeake Bay and the Barringer Meteorite Craters.
Meteorites
- Shooting stars maybe small meteorites passing through the Earth's atmosphere.
  
  Meteorites are solid bodies, rocks and dust that fall to the Earth from other bodies in the solar system. The primary sources are asteroids, the moon and Mars. Meteorite showers contain smaller objects or dust, and rarely make it to the Earth's surface. Tektites come from large meteorites that have hit the Earth's surface creating large craters. Meteorites consist of stone and iron.

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