Australite Distribution Pattern in Southern Central Australia

Abstract

THE distribution pattern of australites (Australian tektites) should assist in solving the puzzle of their origin. It is, however, difficult to pinpoint localities, for most collections have been made by laymen with scant regard for the importance of location. Efforts have, nevertheless, been made to record and interpret australite distribution throughout Australia^1–4, demonstrating that australites are concentrated in certain regions and that there is a fairly definite northern boundary to their occurrence (inset, Fig. 1). The concentrations do not result simply from favourable conditions of exposure, although locally such conditions certainly influence discovery. Further, the australites from various regions differ in size², shape^1,2 and specific gravity⁵.