Trinitite

Trinitite, also known as atomic glass, is a unique material formed as a result of the first atomic bomb detonation during the Trinity Test on July 16, 1945, in the New Mexico desert. This test marked the dawn of the atomic age and was a pivotal moment in the Manhattan Project. When the bomb exploded, the intense heat and pressure from the nuclear blast melted the sandy ground, fusing it into a glass-like substance. Named after the test site, Trinitite became a physical legacy of that historic event.

Formation Process

Trinitite is primarily composed of silicate material from the desert sand, combined with other elements introduced during the detonation, such as metals and radioactive isotopes from the bomb's components. The extreme conditions of the explosion—temperatures exceeding several thousand degrees Celsius—caused rapid melting and subsequent cooling, forming a vitrified layer of greenish, glass-like material on the ground. Over time, the glassy layer fragmented, leaving scattered pieces that are now collected and studied.

Types of Trinitite

While most Trinitite appears as pale green glass due to the high silica content and natural iron impurities in the sand, variations exist. Rare red Trinitite contains copper residues, likely from wiring or bomb components, while black Trinitite forms when melted sand mixes with carbon-rich materials. Some pieces also exhibit inclusions of metal or bubbles from gases trapped during the cooling process. These variations make Trinitite a subject of interest for geologists and collectors alike.

Collection and Preservation

Shortly after the Trinity Test, much of the Trinitite was removed from the site by the U.S. government for safety and research purposes. However, before restrictions were placed, some individuals collected samples from the area. Today, authentic Trinitite is a sought-after collector's item, often sold in small fragments. Because it is no longer legally collectible from the original test site, existing specimens are primarily sourced from private collections or legacy stocks. To ensure authenticity, collectors often rely on specialized tests to verify its composition and origin.

Above: Gamma spectrum of a sample of Trinitite using a Raysid FWHM <7% showing the peaks for Cs137, Eu152 & Am241.

These Trinitite specimens were originally collected in the early 1950s by Dr. Howard Pray, a well-known geologist and mineral dealer, and were later acquired by Derik Bowers in the early 2000s. Each specimen is guaranteed authentic and comes with photocopies of the original signed authentication documents provided by Derik Bowers, ensuring their provenance and historical significance.

For more detailed information please see our page Trinitite for the Collector