Vikal Sharma
HAMIRPUR: In a remarkable discovery that could draw attention of national and international scientists, a farmer from the Jol village in Ghumarwin area of Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh has unearthed what is believed to be rare meteoric material known as tektites — natural glassy objects formed during ancient meteorite impacts.
The finding was reported by retired principal and amateur researcher Sohanlal Sharma, who came across the object while working in his agricultural field. Sharma, who has previously collaborated on multiple paleontological research papers, claims that the tektite discovered in Jol is unlike any previously found in Himachal Pradesh or even northern India.
First tektite discovery in northern India
“This is the first time such tektites have been reported from this region,” Sharma said, adding that he had already reached out to geologists and space science researchers for collaboration. The object is black, nearly spherical, approximately five centimeters in diameter and weighs 32 grams. According to preliminary observations, it bears all the physical characteristics of a tektite, including a smooth, glassy surface and unusually high density.
Tektites are natural glass objects formed during high-energy meteorite impacts, when the immense heat melts terrestrial rock and launches it into the atmosphere. These molten fragments cool rapidly as they fall back to Earth, solidifying into distinct shapes, often smooth and rounded, and are primarily composed of silica, with traces of aluminum, iron and other minerals.
Potential for major scientific breakthrough
Tektites are globally significant in the study of meteorite impacts and planetary geology. Their discovery helps scientists reconstruct ancient impact events and offers insights into Earth’s crust and its chemical composition at the time of the strike.
“These aren’t just geological curiosities but scientific keys to understanding the cataclysmic events that have shaped Earth’s surface over millions of years,” said Sharma, who has invited both regional and national-level institutions to examine and authenticate the specimen.
Tektites have been found in Southeast Asia, Australia and parts of Africa, but their presence in the Himalayan foothills is extremely rare, if not unprecedented. Experts believe that further exploration of the Jol region could potentially lead to more discoveries or even the identification of an ancient impact site.
Valuable and Sought-After Worldwide
Besides their scientific importance, tektites are also highly valued in collector markets. Some rare and verified specimens have fetched prices in excess of several lakh rupees, depending on their size, clarity, and provenance.
Sohanlal Sharma, however, remains focused on the scientific potential of the discovery. “This is not just a stone; it is a window into Earth’s cosmic history. I invite experts from geology, astronomy, and planetary sciences to come forward and study this find.”
The Himachal Pradesh government and scientific institutions are expected to soon step in to verify and study the object, which could mark a milestone in the state’s geological record.
