MicroTektites (Micro Impact Glass Nodules)

Although Microtektites are found aorund the globe, those associated with the K-T event have been concentrated in the Gulf Coast region but are found as far west as northern Mexico and as far north as New Jersey.

Microtektites, shocked quartz and small pieces of impact glass are routinely collected from sediments in the Gulf of Mexico.  All of these elements of the K-T puzzle only add to the confusion that has existed in the past as the only astrobleme large enough to have caused such an event (Chicxulub) has been ruled out.  This ejecta can only be described as alluvial since they could only have been deposited directly by ejection from the force of impact or washed into the ocean by erosion.

The evidence I have collected strongly points to an area in central Alabama.  That evidence includes, but is not limited to, suevite breccias, shatter cones, impact glass, shocked quartz and Microtektites.

There is also hard evidence the sea regression that followed the impact was due to an influx of molten material from beneath the ocean floor.  The subsequent tectonic event would thrust the whole area upwards and lead to a second orogenic event along the Ridge and Valley region as the oceans receded world wide.  The astrobleme would nearly be destroyed in the process.

Although Microtektites take many shapes, spheres are the easiest for most people to recognize and are the subject of this submission.  As of this date, no large tektites (podiasites) have been recovered that can be associated with this impact.

     Image A1                                                            Image B1

A1) Some of my first microtektite discoveries were clearly green although some of the smaller particles were a mixture of radient colors.  Note both clear and blue dust particles surrounding this one.

B1) Most microtektites display a clear ring that light can penetrate aorund the edge just like larger ones (podiasites).  The clear ring bottom center is a glitch on the camera's lens.

    Image A2                                                             Image B2

A2) Microtektites when viewed from light from both above and below can reveal some real surprises.

B2) This one was caught between a heavy concentration of yellow, orange and clear silica from light shown only from above.

Image A3

A3) Podiasites and microtektites are found around the world and are usually associated with strewn fields near impact craters. Each group seems to have it's own specific characteristics which make it unique. For example, North American microtektites often have star shaped markings on them as seen on this one.
     Color: Black
     Luster: Brilliant but Translucent
     Magnification: 400x
     Location: Sylacauga Astrobleme, Sylacauga, Alabama, U.S.A.

This is quite possibly the rarest microtektite in the whole world. It is a multiple colored sphere with every color of silica found in stony iron meteorites and asteroids (chrondites) such as mesosiderites and others of like inclusions. Perhaps this small tektite will go a long way in explaining how these small pieces of glass are truly made.

A lot of good research along with a great deal of conjecture, theory and pure guesswork has sought to explain how these extremely dry spheres became as they are. Some have said they are of extraterrestrial origin while others, more reasonable people, point to the close association they often have with impact sites. Actually, the truth may lie somewhere between the two.

Made upon impact of an extraterrestrial body with planet earth from it's materials as the impactor decomposed into millions of smaller pieces subjected to tremendeous shock and friction, both metal and stone alike became molten. Various colors of micro sized silica, blown high into the atmosphere were caught up in searing heat and began to collect and stick together. Much like falling terrestrial elements in a molten condition become spherical as they harden and return to earth, these glass spheres did the same. It would be the same on any other planet or moon as it is here on earth. Since they were composed of extra dry materials of the bolide that never had contact with earth's water, they remained dry. So, even though they were made on planet earth, they are composed of materials of exraterrestrial origin.

This is the first time all three elements of impact, shocked quartz, impact glass and tektites may be solidly linked togeter to one event. Renowned scientists have said if tektites could be found in close proximity to shocked quartz and firmly linked together, it would prove they were of terrestrial origin, I firmly believe the case for their origin has not only been established but proven by the correlation found in the co-existence of these three elements of like condition in one impact environment.

For additional information go to www.freewebs.com/alimpact/cte.htm

Date Posted: 8/4/08
Harold G. Gragg
alimpact2@bellsouth.net