Brazil Discovers Geraisites Tektite Field

Scientists in Brazil, led by geologist Álvaro Penteado Crósta from the State University of Campinas, have discovered the first known tektite strewn field in the country. These natural glass fragments, named 'geraisites' after the state of Brazil===Minas Gerais, were formed by a meteorite impact approximately 6.3 million years ago during the late Miocene epoch. The field spans at least 900 kilometers across Brazil===Minas Gerais, Brazil===Bahia, and Brazil===Piauí, with over 600 specimens collected. Chemical analyses confirm their impact origin, characterized by high silica content and very low water content. While the impact crater remains undiscovered, researchers believe it may be located within the ancient São Francisco Craton. This discovery, detailed in the journal Geology (journal), significantly enriches South America's record of cosmic impacts and contributes to the understanding of planetary defense strategies.