MORPHOLOGY OF A REMARKABLY WELL PRESERVED AUSTRALITE FOUND NEAR RAVENSTHORPE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 10 years ago

Abstract
An australite (Australian tektite) found near Ravensthorpe, Western Australia, is unweathered except for a complex pattern of lines etched on the posterior surface of flight. Other australites from the area show various degrees of weathering and abrasion. A double rim and obtuse ridges on the anterior surface are minor byproducts of the loss of the stress shell which have survived because of the insignificant degree of weathering. The surface flaking of the two retained areas of stress shell could be artificial. Enclosure within clayey soil may have minimised water circulation and restricted weathering.