EMERALDS OF THE SKY. From Impact to Sacred. The Cultural History of Tektites Archaeology, Geology, Myth.

This study presents an interdisciplinary analysis of tektites and impact glass, examining their geological origin, archaeological use, and symbolic significance across world cultures. Tektites—natural glass formed during meteorite impacts—represent a unique material that bridges scientific inquiry with mythological and cultural interpretation. The geological section outlines the formation mechanisms, physical properties, and major strewn fields of tektites. Archaeological evidence demonstrates that cosmic glass was used in ritual, prestige, and funerary contexts in Egypt, Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, Siberia, and the Arctic. The anthropological and religious analysis explores universal motifs such as “stones from the sky,” “thunderstones,” the Cintāmaṇi jewel, Agni Mani, the Grail legend, and modern esoteric interpretations. The study concludes that tektites function as liminal objects—situated between science and myth—and that their symbolic interpretation shows remarkable cross cultural consistency. The findings highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to materials with extraordinary origins and rich symbolic histories.