shatter cone

geology

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July 13, 2026

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Shatter cones are conical rock fragments characterized by striations radiating from their apex. They are formed under extremely high pressure, typically resulting from meteorite impacts or volcanic activity.1

In geology, shatter cones are significant indicators of impact structures, which are the remnants of ancient meteorite impacts on Earth's surface. These structures are often identified by subsurface shock features like shatter cones, as surface features can be altered by erosion over time. The unique radiating pattern of shatter cones, even visible in drill core samples, helps in recognizing impact sites, as this type of shattering cannot be replicated by other natural processes.2

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impact structure
…subsurface shock structures known as shatter cones. These are conically shaped structures that form in the bedrock directly under the point of impact. They radiate in a distinctive pattern from the point of impact and are identifiable even in drill core samples. The suddenness and intensity of the shattering cannot…
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…subsurface shock structures known as shatter cones. These are conically shaped structures that form in the bedrock directly under the point of impact. They radiate in a distinctive pattern from the point of impact and are identifiable even in drill core samples. The suddenness and intensity of the shattering cannot…
Read More