Suevite Fragment

Suevite is an impactite — a rock formed exclusively by the catastrophic energy of a hypervelocity meteorite strike. When a large bolide collides with Earth, the resulting pressure (exceeding 100 GPa) and temperature (above 2,000°C) are sufficient to partially melt and vaporize the target rock. As the melt cools rapidly, it solidifies into a glassy matrix that traps angular fragments of shocked minerals, unmelted country rock, and occasionally meteoritic material — producing suevite's characteristic chaotic, patchwork texture.

Formed by meteorite impact — one of the rarest rock types on Earth
Contains shocked quartz, diaplectic glass, and possible meteoritic inclusions
From the Rochechouart Impact Structure, France (~206 million years old)
Definitive evidence of extraterrestrial impact visible under magnification
Prized by collectors, geologists, and planetary scientists alike

FORMATION & GEOLOGY

Suevite forms only at confirmed meteorite impact structures. The glass matrix is composed of diaplectic glass and lechatelierite — silica glass produced by shock metamorphism — which distinguishes it from volcanic glass. Shocked quartz grains within suevite often display planar deformation features (PDFs), microscopic lamellae that serve as definitive evidence of extraterrestrial impact.

THIS SPECIMEN

This fragment originates from the Rochechouart Impact Structure in the Haute-Vienne department of France. Formed approximately 206 million years ago during the Late Triassic, the structure measures ~23 km in diameter and is one of the best-preserved impact craters in Europe. The impactor is estimated to have been ~1.5 km in diameter.

REAL-WORLD USE

Geologists and planetary scientists use suevite to study shock metamorphism, impact melt dynamics, and the energy scales of bolide events. Amateur geologists can examine the glassy matrix and lithic clasts with a hand lens or loupe. This specimen is an excellent reference sample for understanding how extraterrestrial forces have shaped Earth's surface — and a direct physical link to one of the most violent events in European geological history.

SPECIMEN SPECS