Fulgurite 0,6g – Libyan desert, Egypt
Locality: Libyan desert, Egypt
Weight: 0,6g
Dimensions: 2,2 x 1,3 x 0,4 cm
| Category: | Fulgurite |
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Fulgurite – petrified lightning
Fulgurite, also known as petrified lightning, is a glassy natural formation that forms when lightning strikes sand or silica-rich rock. The temperature of lightning can reach up to 30,000 °C, causing the melting of silicate particles. The molten sand then cools rapidly, creating hollow tubes, channels, or other glassy structures known as fulgurites. They are classified as shock-metamorphosed rocks.
Appearance and properties
Fulgurites can vary in shape and size depending on the strength and duration of the lightning strike. Their color ranges from clear to pink, brown, or black, depending on the mineral impurities present in the sand. The inner walls of fulgurites are coated with a glassy layer formed by melting, while the outer surface shows traces of partially fused sand grains.
Rarity
Fulgurites are relatively fragile and brittle, which makes collecting larger intact specimens difficult and increases their value.