An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Small glassy bodies whose chemical composition is unrelated to the geological formation in which they are found. They are found mostly in Australia, Java, Philippines and Indochina. Tektites are now thought to have been produced by the impact of meteorites on the earth’s surface.

See also: From Gk. tekt(os) “molten” + -ite a suffix used in the name of minerals and fossils.